One cannot develop taste from what is of average quality but only from the very best.

The moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves, too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have otherwise occurred...unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

It's true that nothing in this world makes us so necessary to others as the affection we have for them.

[W]hat counts is that one perceives excellence and dares to give it expression, which sounds little but is in fact a great deal.

When I say to the Moment flying; 'Linger a while -- thou art so fair!' Then bind me in thy bonds undying, And my final ruin I will bear!

The history of knowledge is a great fugue in which the voices of the nations one after the other emerge.

I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element. It is my personal approach that creates the climate.