"I wonder if anyone else has an ear so tuned and sharpened as I have, to detect the music, not of the spheres, but of earth, subtleties of major and minor chord that the wind strikes upon the tree branches. Have you ever heard the earth breathe . . . ?"

To be an artist includes much; one must possess many gifts -- absolute gifts -- which have been acquired by one's own effort.

The bird that would soar above the plain of tradition and prejudice must have strong wings.

"He greatly valued his possessions, chiefly because they were his, and derived genuine pleasure from contemplating a painting, a statuette, a rare lace curtain -- no matter what -- after he had bought it and placed it among his household gods."

"And moreover, to succeed, the artist must possess the courageous soul . . . the brave soul. The soul that dares and defies."