The lover is moved by the thing loved, as the sense is by that which perceives, and it unites with it and they become one and the same thing... when the lover is united with the beloved it finds rest there; when the burden is laid down there it finds rest.

As every divided kingdom falls, so every mind divided between many studies confounds and saps itself.

People reveal themselves completely only when they are thrown out of the customary conditions of their life.

A painter should begin every canvas with a wash of black, because all things in nature are dark except where exposed by the light.

A luminous body will appear more brilliant in proportion as it is surrounded by deeper shadow.

Learning never exhausts the mind.

Whoever in debate quotes authority uses not intellect, but memory.