The poet sees better than other mortals. I do not see things as they are, but according to my own subjective impression, and this makes life easier and simpler.

That first concept is alway the most naturally and best. The mind errs, the emotion never.

Remember, there are more people in the world than yourself. Be modest! You have not yet invented nor thought anything which others have not thought or invented before. And should you really have done so, consider it a gift of heaven which you are to share with others.

I was a God-fearing child, innocent and physically attractive.

Does it not seem as if Mozart's works become fresher and fresher the oftener we hear them?

We may be sure that a genius like Mozart, were he born today, would write concertos like Chopin and not like Mozart.

My indifference to money and my spendthrift ways are disgraceful. You have no idea how reckless I am; how often I practically throw money out of the window. I am always making good resolutions, but the next minute I forget and give the waiter eightpence.