A sub-clerk in the post-office is the equal of a conqueror if consciousness is common to them.

Great feelings take with them their own universe, splendid or abject. They light up with their passion an exclusive world in which they recognize their climate.

I realized people would soon forget me once I was dead. I couldn't even say that this was hard to stomach; really, there's no idea to which one doesn't get acclimatized in time.

Only he who is uncompromising as to his rights maintains the sense of duty.

Every great work makes the human face more admirable and richer, and this is its whole secret.

After all, every murderer when he kills runs the risk of the most dreadful of deaths, whereas those who kill him risk nothing except promotion.

The only serious question in life is whether to kill yourself or not.