A leaf that is destined to grow large is full of grooves and wrinkles at the start. Now if one has no patience and wants it smooth offhand like a willow leaf, there is trouble ahead.

I've often heard it said a preacher might learn with a comedian for a teacher.

Not the maker of plans and promises, but rather the one who offers faithful service in small matters. This is the person who is most likely to achieve what is good and lasting.

All beginnings are delightful; the threshold is the place to pause.

nothing puts me so completely out of patience as the utterance of a wretched commonplace when I am talking from my inmost heart.

Painting predicates what man wants to see, and what man ought to see, not what he ordinarily sees.

The best slave is the one who thinks he is free.