Treat a work of art like a prince. Let it speak to you first.

We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves in order to be like other people.

We take no delight in existence except when we are struggling for something.

Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame.

What makes people hard-hearted is this, that each man has, or fancies he has, as much as he can bear in his own troubles.

Whatever folly men commit, be their shortcomings or their vices what they may, let us exercise forbearance; remember that when these faults appear in others it is our follies and vices that we behold.

With people of only moderate ability modesty is a mere honesty; but with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.