The nineteenth century is a turning point in history, simply on account of the work of two men, Darwin and Renan, the one the critic of the Book of Nature, the other the critic of the books of God. Not to recognise this is to miss the meaning of one of the most important eras in the progress of the world.

Every woman becomes their mother. That's their tragedy. And no man becomes his. That's his tragedy.

I never approve, or disapprove, of anything now. It is an absurd attitude to take towards life. We are not sent into the world to air our moral prejudices. I never take any notice of what common people say, and I never interfere with what charming people do. If a personality fascinates me, whatever mode of expression that personality selects is absolutely delightful to me.

In married life three is company and two none.

No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.

Fathers should be neither seen nor heard. That is the only proper basis for family life.

No art ever survived censorship; no art ever will.