Perfection has one grave defect: it is apt to be dull.

The most vigilant self-criticism of course is necessary, but the time comes when the artist must tell himself he is good or he will go under.

Whoever thinks a faultless piece to see, Thinks what ne'er was, nor is, nor shall be.

Perfection is no more a requisite to art than to heroes. Frigidaires are perfect. Beauty limps. My frigidaire has had to be replaced.

In anything at all, perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away.

Striving to better, oft we mar what's well.

The indefatigable pursuit of an unattainable Perfection, even though it consist in nothing more than the pounding of an old piano, alone gives a meaning to our life on this unavailing star.

The abuse of grace is affectation, as the abuse of the sublime is absurdity; all perfection is nearly a fault.

It is through Art, and through Art only, that we can realise our perfection.

It is true that we shall not be able to reach perfection, but in our struggle toward it we shall strengthen our characters and give stability to our ideas, so that, whilst ever advancing calmly in the same direction, we shall be rendered capable of applying the faculties with which we have been gifted to the best possible account.