In our fine arts, not imitation, but creation is the aim... The details, the prose of nature, he should omit, and give us only the spirit and splendour.

The soul answers never by words, but by the thing itself that is inquired after.

We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork; now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action.

I cannot often enough say, that a man is only a relative and representative nature. Each is a hint of the truth, but far enough from being that truth, which yet he quite newly and inevitably suggests to us. If I seek it in him, I shall not find it.

The State is a poor, good beast who means the best: it means friendly.

All my hurts my garden spade can heal.

Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can only be attained through understanding.