Conscience is a man's compass, and though the needle sometimes deviates, though one often perceives irregularities in directing one's course by it, still one must try to follow its direction.

What a simple thing death is, just as simple as the falling of an autumn leaf.

It seems to me it's a painter's duty to try to put an idea into his work.

It is a pity that, as one gradually gains experience, one loses one's youth.

One of the hardest things to do is to paint darkness which nonetheless has light in it.

The beginning is perhaps more difficult than anything else, but keep heart, it will turn out all right.

Love a friend, love a wife, something, whatever you like, but one must love with a lofty and serious intimate sympathy, with strength, with intelligence, and one must always try to know deeper, better, and more.