Art is not a study of positive reality, it is the seeking for ideal truth.

No good work whatever can be perfect, and the demand for perfection is always a sign of a misunderstanding of the ends of art.

In order that a man may be happy, it is necessary that he should not only be capable of his work, but a good judge of his work.

Every increased possession loads us with a new weariness.

Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.

Imaginary evils soon become real one by indulging our reflections on them.

Bread of flour is good; but there is bread, sweet as honey, if we would eat it, in a good book.