The modern age has a false sense of superiority, because of the great mass of data at its disposal. But the valid criterion of distinction is rather the extent to which man knows how to form and master the material at his command.

Secrecy has many advantages, for when you tell someone the purpose of any object right away, they often think there is nothing to it.

Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing

Ambition and love are the wings of great actions.

A genuine work of art usually displeases at first sight, as it suggests a deficiency in the spectator.

Against criticism a man can neither protest nor defend himself; he must act in spite of it, and then it will gradually yield to him.

With little art, clear wit and sense Suggest their own delivery.