The only competition worthy of a wise man is with himself.

Never expect justice from a vain man; if he has the negative magnanimity not to disparage you, it is the most you can expect.

No man knows himself as an original.

The painter who is content with the praise of the world for what does not satisfy himself, is not an artist, but an artisan; for though his reward be only praise, his pay is that of a mechanic.

Selfishness in art, as in other things, is sensibility kept at home.

The most intangible, and therefore the worst, kind of a lie is a half truth. This is the peculiar device of a conscientious detractor.

Fame has no necessary conjunction with praise; it may exist without the breath of a word: it is a recognition of excellence which must be felt, but need not be spoken. Even the envious must feel it: feel it, and hate in silence.