The humblest craft that floats makes its appeal to a seaman by the faithfulness of her life.

Action is consolatory. It is the enemy of thought and the friend of flattering illusions.

I slipped the book into my pocket. I assure you to leave off reading was like tearing myself away from the shelter of an old and solid friendship.

Art is long and life is short, and success is very far off.

The real significance of crime is in its being a breach of faith with the community of mankind.

Imagination, not invention, is the supreme master of art as of life.

The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness.