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.

People cannot live by lending money to one another.

There is no action so slight or so mean but it may be done to a great purpose, and ennobled thereby.

Nothing can be beautiful which is not true.

The best work never was and never will be done for money.

If you can draw the stone rightly, everything within reach of art is also within yours.

Men cannot not live by exchanging articles, but producing them. They live by work not trade.