The humblest painter is a true scholar; and the best of scholars the scholar of nature.

Art is the microscope of the mind, which sharpens the wit as the other does the sight; and converts every object into a little universe in itself. Art may be said to draw aside the veil from nature. To those who are perfectly unskilled in the practice, unimbued with the principles of art, most objects present only a confused mass.

We are cold to others only when we are dull in ourselves.

What passes in the world for talent or dexterity or enterprise is often only a want of moral principle. We may succeed where others fail, not from a greater share of invention, but from not being nice in the choice of expedients.

There are names written in her immortal scroll at which Fame blushes!

The person whose doors I enter with most pleasure, and quit with most regret, never did me the smallest favor.

Those who can command themselves command others.