The men of experiment are like the ant; they only collect and use. But the bee...gathers its materials from the flowers of the garden and of the field, but transforms and digests it by a power of its own.

The painter who draws by practise and judgment of the eye without the use of reason is like the mirror which reproduces within itself all the objects which are set opposite to it without knowledge of the same.

True and great love springs out of great knowledge, and where you know little you can love but little or not at all.

Obstacles cannot bend me. Every obstacle yields to effort.

He who thinks little errs much.

Many will think they may reasonably blame me by alleging that my proofs are opposed to the authority of certain men held in the highest reverence by their inexperienced judgments; not considering that my works are the issue of pure and simple experience.

Most men are of naught more use in their lives but as machines for turning food into sh*t.