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 already have a wife who is too much for me.. she is my art, and my works are my children.

The best of artists hath no thought to show which the rough stone in its superfluous shell doth not include; to break the marble spell is all the hand that serves the brain can do.

It is necessary to keep one's compass in one's eyes and not in the hand, for the hands execute, but the eye judges.

If we have been pleased with life, we should not be displeased with death, since it comes from the hand of the same master.

Lord, grant that I may always desire more than I can accomplish.

Faith in oneself is the best and safest course.