The rare few, who, early in ...

The rare few, who, early in life have rid themselves of the friendship of the many.
 James Whistler

Quotes from the same author

The explanation is quite simple. I wished to be near my mother.
 James Whistler
The masterpiece should appear as the flower to the painter - perfect in its bud as in its bloom - with no reason to explain its presence - no mission to fulfill - a joy to the artist, a delusion to the philanthropist - a puzzle to the botanist - an accident of sentiment and alliteration to the literary man.
 James Whistler
Industry in art is a necessity - not a virtue - and any evidence of the same, in the production, is a blemish, not a quality; a proof, not of achievement, but of absolutely insufficient work, for work alone will efface the footsteps of work.
 James Whistler