[Great artists] do not copy what they see, but what they desire.

The years I have squandered in puerile excitement, in going hither and thither, in seeking to force nature and time, I ought to have spent in solitude and meditation, in endeavoring to make myself worthy of being loved.

Brevity never fatigues; therefore, brevity is always a welcome guest.

It is difficult to obtain the friendship of a cat. It is a philosophical animal... one that does not place its affections thoughtlessly.

Only that which serves no end is beautiful; everything useful is ugly.

Once [a cat] has given its love, what absolute confidence, what fidelity of affection!

I am a man for whom the outside world exists.