The great tragedy of life is not that people set their sights too high and fail to achieve their goals but that they set their sights too low and do.

Dear to me is sleep: still more, being made of stone, While pain and guilt still linger here below, Blindness and numbness--these please me alone; Then do not wake me, keep your voices low.

The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms; and to confide in one's self, and become something of worth and value is the best and safest course.

The sculpture is already complete within the marble block, before I start my work. It is already there, I just have to chisel away the superfluous material.

I am a poor man and of little worth, who is laboring in that art that God has given me in order to extend my life as long as possible.

Serene I fold my hands and wait.

Do not be concerned that you might set a target too high and fail. Be concerned that you will set it too low and succeed.