The condition of perfection is idleness: the aim of perfection is youth.

Every single work of art is the fulfillment of a prophecy; for every work of art is the conversion of an idea into an image.

No publisher should ever express an opinion on the value of what he publishes. That is a matter entirely for the literary critic to decide. I can quite understand how any ordinary critic would be strongly prejudiced against a work that was accompanied by a premature and unnecessary panegyric from the publisher. A publisher is simply a useful middle-man. It is not for him to anticipate the verdict of criticism.

Most men and women are forced to perform parts for which they have no qualification.

Wherever there is a man who exercises authority, there is a man who resists authority.

I wonder that no criminal has ever pleaded the ugliness of your city as an excuse for his crimes.

Far away beyond the pine-woods,' he answered, in a low dreamy voice, 'there is a little garden. There the grass grows long and deep, there are the great white stars of the hemlock flower, there the nightingale sings all night long. All night long he sings, and the cold, crystal moon looks down, and the yew-tree spreads out its giant arms over the sleepers.