“In words are seen the state of mind and character and disposition of the speaker.”

We ought indeed to shrink from and feel shame at what is base, but nature which is over-cautious to avoid blame may be gentle and kindly, but cannot be great.

All men whilst they are awake are in one common world: but each of them, when he is asleep, is in a world of his own.

Painting is silent poetry.

They insist upon the shaving of the mustache, I think, in order that they may accustom the young men to obedience in the most trifling matters.

The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.

Courage consists not in hazarding without fear, but being resolutely minded in a just cause.

Rather I fear on the contrary that while we banish painful thoughts we may banish memory as well.

Those who receive with most pains and difficulty, remember best; every new think they learn, being, as it were, burnt and branded in on their minds.

Silence at the proper season is wisdom and better than any speech.

Know how to listen, and you will profit even from those who talk badly.

It does not follow, that because a particular work of art succeeds in charming us, its creator also deserves our admiration.

I would rather excel in the knowledge of what is excellent than the extent of my power or possessions.

Of all the disorders in the soul, envy is the only one no one confesses to.

I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.

It’s a thing of no great difficulty to raise objections against another man’s oration, it is a very easy matter, but to produce a better in its place is a work extremely troublesome.

Music, to create harmony, must investigate discord.

The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.

I like people who can make you laugh without using vulgarity, or bad words.

When people show you who they are – believe them!

I would never wish to say that I’ve finally waved goodbye to any character, it’s just that the emphasis tends to shift.

There’s more pressure to be famous for being yourself than if you’re being a character.

I want a life free of shame and unforgiveness. I want a life that is not dictated by my performance but by my identity.

I have frequently gained my first real insight into the character of parents by studying their children.

I create women characters by watching the female staff at my studio. Half the staff are women.