Actions are the first tragedy in life, words are the second. Words are perhaps the worst. Words are merciless. . .

To make a good salad is to be a brilliant diplomatist - the problem is entirely the same in both cases. To know exactly how much oil one must put with one's vinegar.

A subject that is beautiful in itself gives no suggestion to the artist. It lacks imperfection.

Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.

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

I don't like novels that end happily. They depress me so much

Music is the art... which most completely realizes the artistic idea and is the condition to which all the other arts are constantly aspiring.