Life itself, too, is forever turning an infinitely vacant, dispiriting blank side towards man on which nothing appears, any more than it does on a blank canvas. But no matter how vacant and vain, how dead life may appear to be, the man of faith, of energy, of warmth, who knows something, will not be put off so easily.

So often, a visit to a bookshop has cheered me, and reminded me that there are good things in the world.

Be clearly aware of the stars and infinity on high. Then life seems almost enchanted after all.

The diseases that we civilized people labor under most are melancholy and pessimism.

Often whole days pass without my speaking to anyone.

Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.

I work as diligently on my canvases as the laborers do in their fields.