The greatest risk to man is not that he aims to high and misses, but that he aims to low and hits.

Beauty depends on purpose. It is in the elements best suited to their purpose or aim that beauty shines forth most strongly.

The greatest artist has no conception which a single block of white marble does not potentially contain within its mass, but only a hand obedient to the mind can penetrate to this image.

Art is a jealous thing; it requires the whole and entire man.

The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.

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.

If I love in thee, beloved, only what thou lovest most, do not be angry; for so one spirit is enamoured of another.