One ought, everyday, to hear a song, read a fine poem, and, if possible, to speak a few reasonable words.

He who would reproach an author for obscurity should look into his own mind to see whether it is quite clear there. In the dusk the plainest writing is illegible.

Our passions are true phoenixes; as the old burn out the new straight rise up from the ashes.

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

This being busied with thoughts of immortality is for the noble classes and especially for women with nothing to do. A solid person, though, someone who already intends to be something worthy here, and who therefore has to strive daily, has to struggle and work, gives the world to come a rest.

The best way to understand a painting is by drawing it.

Mysteries are not necessarily miracles.