"I have no friend. I must live alone. I know that I am closer to God than other artists; I commune with Him in my art."

"Pity that I am not master of all the world, as I am of my heart!"

"I carry my thoughts about with me for a long time, often a very long time, before I write them down."

"Don't only practice your art, but force your way into its secrets, for it and knowledge can elevate man to the divine."

"I have always counted myself among the greatest geniuses."