In great countries, children are always trying to remain children, and the parents want to make them into adults. In vile countries, the children are always wanting to be adults and the parents want to keep them children.

No human face is exactly the same in its lines on each side, no leaf perfect in its lobes, no branch in its symmetry. All admit irregularity as they imply change; and to banish imperfection is to destroy expression, to check exertion, to paralyze vitality. All things are literally better, lovelier, and more beloved for the imperfections which have been divinely appointed, that the law of human life may be Effort, and the law of human judgment, Mercy.

Taste is the only morality. Tell me what you like and I'll tell you what you are.

The highest thoughts are those which are least dependent on language, and the dignity of any composition and praise to which it is entitled are in exact proportion to its dependency of language or expression.

Man's only true happiness is to live in hope of something to be won by him.

Anything which elevates the mind is sublime. Greatness of matter, space, power, virtue or beauty, are all sublime.

I have not written in vain if I have heretofore done anything towards diminishing the reputation of the Renaissance landscape painting.