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.

In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.

The goods of Fortune, even such as they really are, still need taste to enjoy them. It is the enjoying no the possessing, that makes us happy.

I feast on wine and bread, and feasts they are.

No thought is born in me that does not bear the image of death.

Every beauty which is seen here by persons of perception resembles more than anything else that celestial source from which we all are come.

Faith in oneself is the best and safest course.