It is commonly supposed that the art of pleasing is a wonderful aid in the pursuit of fortune; but the art of being bored is infinitely more successful.

The art of pleasing is the art of deception.

The crowning fortune of a man is to be born to some pursuit which finds him employment and happiness, whether it be to make baskets, or broad swords, or canals, or statues, or songs

Sincerity is not only effective and honourable, it is also much less difficult than is commonly supposed.

I've had the good fortune of studying the 17th-century art of Amsterdam in preparation for a film.

Don't go into the business of pleasing people. You can't please everybody. Simply do your best at what you do