How vain is painting, which is admired for reproducing the likeness of things whose originals are not admired.

There is a certain standard of grace and beauty which consists in a certain relation between our nature... and the thing which pleases us.

It is not certain that everything is uncertain.

We conceal it from ourselves in vain - we must always love something. In those matters seemingly removed from love, the feeling is secretly to be found, and man cannot possibly live for a moment without it.

Imagination disposes of everything; it creates beauty, justice, and happiness, which are everything in this world.

Console thyself, thou wouldst not seek Me, if thou hadst not found Me