Mathematics was hard, dull work, I thought; geography pleased me more. For my other studies, as well as for dancing, I was quite enthusiastic.

During all these years there existed within me a tendency to follow Nature in her walks.

Great men show politeness in a particular way; a smile suffices to assure you that you are welcome, and keep about their avocations as if you were a member of the family.

My heart swelled with uncontrollable delight.

[Drawing should be] a journey of pleasure. Each step must present to the travellers' view objects that are eminently interesting, varied in their appearances, and attracting to such a degree as to excite in each individual thus happily employed the desire of knowing all respecting all he sees.

Almost every day, instead of going to school when I ought to have gone, I usually made for the fields, where I spent the day.

I wish I had eight pairs of hands, and another body to shoot the specimens.