I wish to confound all these people, to create a work of art of a supernatural realism and of a spiritualist naturalism. I wish to prove... that nothing is explained in the mysteries which surround us.

Immersed in solitude, he would dream or read far into the night. By protracted contemplation of the same thoughts, his mind grew sharp, his vague, undeveloped ideas took on form.

Art is the only clean thing on earth, except holiness.

He realized at last that the arguments of pessimism were powerless to comfort him

The loveliest tune imaginable becomes vulgar and insupportable as soon as the public begins to hum it and the hurdy-gurdies make it their own.

There's no doubt about it - gardeners are the only true artists these days.

The only really indecent people are the chaste.