He is fairer than the morning star, and whiter than the moon. For his body I would give my soul, and for his love I would surrender heaven.

"There is no such thing as a good influence, Mr. Gray. All influence is immoral — immoral from the scientific point of view." "Why?" "Because to influence a person is to give him one's own soul."

But what is the good of friendship if one cannot say exactly what one means? Anybody can say charming things and try to please and to flatter, but a true friend always says unpleasant things, and does not mind giving pain. Indeed, if he is a really true friend he prefers it, for he knows that then he is doing good.

A woman will flirt with anybody in the world as long as other people are looking on.

The work of art is to dominate the spectator: the spectator is not to dominate the work of art.

It can never be necessary to do what is not honourable.

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