The value of culture is its effect on character. It avails nothing unless it ennobles and strengthens that. Its use is for life. Its aim is not beauty but goodness.

Old age is ready to undertake tasks that youth shirked because they would take too long.

Perfect is determined in shortened measures of time, not over long periods of time or lifetimes. It would be unnatural.

It is cruel to discover one's mediocrity only when it is too late. It does not improve the temper.

Every production of an artist should be the expression of an adventure of his soul.

But the only important thing in a book is the meaning it has for you; it may have other and much more profound meanings for the critic, but at second-hand they can be of small service to you.

I know that I shall die struggling for breath, and I know that I shall be horribly afraid. I know that I shall not be able to keep myself from regretting bitterly the life that has brought me to such a pass; but I disown that regret. I now, weak, old, diseased, poor, dying, hold still my soul in my hands, and I regret nothing.