One can be instructed in society, one is inspired only in solitude.

Against criticism a man can neither protest nor defend himself; he must act in spite of it, and then it will gradually yield to him.

One man's word is no man's word; we should quietly hear both sides.

The credit of advancing science has always been due to individuals and never to the age.

Artists have a double relationship towards nature: they are her master and her slave at the same time. They are her slave in so far as they must work with means of this world so as to be understood; her master in so far as they subject these means to their higher goals and make them subservient to them.

Our friends show us what we can do; our enemies teach us what we must do.

Any trifle is enough to entertain two lovers.