Experiments are mediators between nature and idea.

Everything we do has a result. But that which is right and prudent does not always lead to good, nor the contrary to what is bad.

Who is the most sensible person? The one who finds what is to their own advantage in all that happens to them.

Colour itself is a degree of darkness.

We rather confess our moral errors, faults, and crimes than our ignorance.

Never let a day pass without looking at some perfect work of art, hearing some great piece of music and reading, in part, some great book.

People are always talking about originality; but what do they mean? As soon as we are born, the world begins to work upon us; and this goes on to the end. And after all, what can we call our own, except energy, strength, and will? If I could give an account of all that I owe to great predecessors and contemporaries, there would be but a small balance in my favor.