A copy of the universe is not what is required of art; one of the damned things is ample.

Did St. Francis preach to the birds? Whatever for? If he really liked birds he would have done better to preach to the cats.

Women know the damnation of charity because the habit of civilization has always been to throw them cheap alms rather than give them good wages.

Humanity is never more sphinxlike than when it is expressing itself.

Any authentic work of art must start an argument between the artist and his audience.

Men must be capable of imagining and executing and insisting on social change if they are to reform or even maintain civilization, and capable too of furnishing the rebellion which is sometimes necessary if society is not to perish of immobility.

I always have beauty around me, for I have but to go to my piano, and trace one of the million designs that have been made by my masters.