The longer we dwell on our misfortunes, the greater is their power to harm us.

I knew I belonged to the public and to the world, not because I was talented or even beautiful, but because I had never belonged to anything or anyone else.

Many are they who have a taste and love for drawing, but no talent; and this will be discernible in boys who are not diligent and never finish their drawings with shading.

Trouble springs from idleness, and grievous toil from needless ease.

I'm not looking for sympathy at all.