The vivacity and brightness of colors in a landscape will never bear any comparison with a landscape in nature when it is illumined by the sun, unless the painting is placed in such a position that it will receive the same light from the sun as does the landscape.

A bird as it rises always sets its wings above the wind and without beating them, and it always moves in a circular movement.

The water wears away the mountains and fills up the valleys, and if it had the power it would reduce the earth to a perfect sphere.

The body of the earth is of the nature of a fish, a grampus or sperm whale, because it draws water as its breath instead of air.

Of the four elements water is the second in weight and the second in respect of mobility. It is never at rest until it unites with the sea.

The earth we share is not just a rock tossed through space, but a living, nurturing being. She cares for us. She deserves our care in return.