The basis of action is lack of imagination. It is the last resource of those who know not how to dream.

They are always asking a writer why he does not write like somebody else, or a painter why he does not paint like somebody else, quite oblivious of the fact that if either of them did anything of the kind he would cease to be an artist.

There were moments when he looked on evil simply as a mode through which he could realize his conception of the beautiful.

Before Turner there was no fog in London.

The basis of optimism is sheer terror.

Anyone can sympathize with the sufferings of a friend, but it requires a very fine nature to sympathize with a friend's success.

All charming people, I fancy, are spoiled. It is the secret of their attraction.