It seems a fantastic paradox, but it is nevertheless a most important truth, that no architecture can be truly noble which is not imperfect.

It is in this power of saying everything, and yet saying nothing too plainly, that the perfection of art consists.

The common practice of keeping up appearances with society is a mere selfish struggle of the vain with the vain.

I have seen, and heard, much of Cockney impudence before now; but never expected to hear a coxcomb ask two hundred guineas for flinging a pot of paint in the public's face.

And remember, child, that nothing is ever done beautifully, which is done in rivalship; or nobly, which is done in pride.

Human work must be done honourably and thoroughly, because we are now Men; whether we ever expect to be angels, or were ever slugs, being practically no matter.

Failure is less attributable to either insufficiency of means or impatience of labours than to a confused understanding of the thing actually to be done.