It would be a great reform in politics if perception could be made to spread as easily and as rapidly as foolishness.

When told by a helpful aide that his flies were undone he replied 'Young man, there is no harm in leaving the cage door open if the bird is dead!

Like a sea-beast fished up from the depths, or a diver too suddenly hoisted, my veins threatened to burst from the fall in pressure. I had great anxiety and no means of relieving it ... And then it was that the Muse of Painting came to my rescue - out of charity and out of chivalry ... - and said, "Are these toys any good to you? They amuse some people."

It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary.

...the high roads of the future will be clear, not only for us but for all, not only for our time but for a century to come.

Just to paint is great fun. The colours are lovely to look at and delicious to squeeze out. Matching them, however crudely, with what you see is fascinating and absolutely absorbing.

We must learn from misfortune the means of future strength.