He must have a truly romantic nature, for he weeps when there is nothing at all to weep about.

Be warned in time, James, and remain, as I do, incomprehensible: to be great is to be misunderstood.

There are works which wait, and which one does not understand for a long time; the reason is that they bring answers to questions which have not yet been raised; for the question often arrives a terribly long time after the answer.

True contentment is not having everything, but in being satisfied with everything you have.

No artist has ethical sympathies. An ethical sympathy in an artist is an unpardonable mannerism of style.

I asked the question for the best reason possible, for the only reason, indeed, that excuses anyone for asking any question - simple curiosity.

The only thing that ever consoles man for the stupid things he does is the praise he always gives himself for doing them.