A plant is like a self-willed man, out of whom we can obtain all which we desire, if we will only treat him his own way.

The phrases that men hear or repeat continually, end by becoming convictions and ossify the organs of intelligence.

I had toward the poetic art a peculiar relation which was only practical after I had cherished in my mind for a long time a subject which possessed me, a model which inspired me, a predecessor who attracted me, until at length, after I had molded it

We eagerly get hold of a law that serves as a weapon to our passions.

To create something you must be something.

He who does not stretch himself according to the coverlet finds his feet uncovered.

Only he who finds empiricism irksome is driven to method.