I had toward the poetic art a peculiar relation which was only practical after I had cherished in my mind for a long time a subject which possessed me, a model which inspired me, a predecessor who attracted me, until at length, after I had molded it

If you are convinced of a matter, you must take sides or you don't deserve to succeed.

The spirit from which we act is the principal matter.

There is no past we can bring back by longing for it. There is only an eternal now that builds and creates out of the past something new and better.

The older I get the more I trust in the law according to which the rose and the lily bloom.

Mannerism always wants to be finished and doesn't enjoy the process. Genuine, truly great talent, however, finds its greatest satisfaction in the production.

Reasonable men are the best dictionaries of conversation.