What is termed Sin is an essential element of progress. Without it the world would stagnate, or grow old, or become colourless.

The public has always, and in every age, been badly brought up. They are continually asking Art to be popular, to please their want of taste, to flatter their absurd vanity, to tell them what they have been told before, to show them what they ought to be tired of seeing, to amuse them when they feel heavy after eating too much, and to distract their thoughts when they are wearied of their own stupidity.

If a man needs an elaborate tombstone in order to remain in the memory of his country, it is clear that his living at all was an act of absolute superfluity.

More women grow old nowadays through the faithfulness of their admirers than through anything else.

I'm sure I don't know half the people who come to my house. Indeed, from all I hear, I shouldn't like to.

The true artist is known by what he annexes, and he annexes everything.

If you meet at dinner a man who has spent his life in educating himself - a rare type in our time ... you rise from table richer, and conscious that a high ideal has for a moment touched and sanctified your days. But Oh! my dear Ernest, to sit next to a man who has spent his life in trying to educate others! What a dreadful experience that is!