There are no rules for friendship. It must be left to itself. We cannot force it any more than love.

When a thing ceases to be a subject of controversy, it ceases to be a subject of interest.

The definition of genius is that it acts unconsciously, and those who have produced immortal works have done so without knowing how or why.

I am always afraid of a fool. One cannot be sure that he is not a knave as well.

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.

They are the only honest hypocrites, their life is a voluntary dream, a studied madness.

If a person has no delicacy, he has you in his power.