We should aim rather at leveling down our desires than leveling up our means

Bring your desires down to your present means. Increase them only when your increased means permit.

The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.

The aim of art is not to represent the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance

Whatsoever that be within us that feels, thinks, desires, and animates, is something celestial, divine, and, consequently, imperishable.

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.