All that we call ideal in Greek or any other art, because to us it is false and visionary, was, to the makers of it, true and existent.

Contrast increases the splendor of beauty, but it disturbs its influence; it adds to its attractiveness, but diminishes its power.

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.

What is really desired, under the name of riches, is essentially, power over men ... this power ... is in direct proportion to the poverty of the men over whom it is exercised, and in inverse proportion to the number of persons who are as rich as ourselves.

He who is not actively kind is cruel!

Everything that you can see in the world around you presents itself to your eyes only as an arrangement of patches of different colors.

Blue color is everlastingly appointed by the deity to be a source of delight.