Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.

Believe me, no civilized man ever regrets a pleasure, and no uncivilized man ever knows what a pleasure is.

Lean on principles, one day they'll end up giving way.

All art is at once surface and symbol.

I must say... that I ruined myself: and that nobody, great or small, can be ruined except by his own hand.

Indeed I have always been of the opinion that hard work is simply the refuge of people who have nothing to do.

If art is to have a special train, the critic must keep some seats reserved on it.