The important thing in life is to have a great aim, and the determination to attain it.

For the butterfly, mating and propagation involve the sacrifice of life, for the human being, the sacrifice of beauty.

Nature understands no jesting. She is always true, always serious, always severe. She is always right, and the errors are always those of man.

I am not omniscient, but I know a lot.

The summit charms us, the steps to it do not; with the heights before our eyes, we like to linger in the plain. It is only a part of art that can be taught; but the artist needs the whole. He who is only half instructed speaks much and is always wrong; who knows it wholly is content with acting and speaks seldom or late.

Man would not be the finest creature in the world if he were not too fine for it.

I will listen to anyone's convictions, but pray keep your doubts to yourself.