The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.

It seems to me that every phenomenon, every fact, itself is the really interesting object. Whoever explains it, or connects it with other events, usually only amuses himself or makes sport of us, as, for instance, the naturalist or historian. But a single action or event is interesting, not because it is explainable, but because it is true.

Stones are mute teachers; they silence the observer, and the most valuable lesson we learn from them we cannot communicate.

Nature reacts not only to physical disease, but also to moral weakness; when the danger increases; she gives us greater courage

Women are silver dishes into which we put golden apples.

The fate of the architect is the strangest of all. How often he expends his whole soul, his whole heart and passion, to produce buildings into which he himself may never enter.

Before you can do something, you must first be something.