"If isolation tempers the strong, it is the stumbling-block of the uncertain."

"Keep good company - that is, go to the Louvre."

"The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself."

"I must be more sensible and realize that at my age, illusions are hardly permitted and they will always destroy me."

"It is a sign of a dull nature to occupy oneself deeply in matters that concern the body for instance, to be over much occupied about exercise, about eating and drinking, about easing oneself, about sexual intercourse."

"When we think of the major threats to our national security, the first to come to mind are nuclear proliferation, rogue states and global terrorism. But another kind of threat lurks beyond our shores, one from nature, not humans - an avian flu pandemic."

"The bluebird carries the sky on his back."

"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."