Genius begins great works; labor alone finishes them.

The ordinary true, or purely real, cannot be the object of the arts. Illusion on a ground of truth,--that is the secret of the fine arts.

The last word should be the last word. It is like a finishing touch given to color; there is nothing more to add. But what precaution is needed in order not to put the last word first.

Beautiful works do not intoxicate, but they enchant.

Think of the ills from which you are exempt.

There are some heads which have no windows, and the day can never strike from above; nothing enters from heavenard.

Today there are no more irreconcilable enmities, because there are no more disinterested emotions: that's a good thing born from a bad thing.