A painter told me that nobody could draw a tree without in some sort becoming a tree; or draw a child by studying the outlines of its form merely but by watching for a time his motions and plays, the painter enters into his nature and can then draw him at every attitude.

We forget ourselves and our destinies in health, and the chief use of temporary sickness is to remind us of these concerns.

Men such as they are, very naturally seek money or power; and power because it is as good as money.

The intellectual life may be kept clean and healthful, if man will live the life of nature, and not import into his mind difficulties which are none of his.

As every man is hunted by his own daemon, vexed by his own disease, this checks all his activity.

All things are known to the soul.

Nature always wears the colors of the spirit.