A calm despair, without angry convulsions or reproaches directed at heaven, is the essence of wisdom.

Fainthearted animals move about in herds. The lion walks alone in the desert. Let the poet always walk thus.

What is the use of theorizing as to wherein lies the charm that moves us?

I admit that I myself am far from having a complete command of every topic I touch on, but my knowledge of my subject is always greater than the interest or the understanding of my auditors. You see, there is one very good thing about mankind; the mediocre masses make very few demands of the mediocrities of a higher order, submitting stupidly and cheerfully to their guidance

The study of social progress is to-day not less needed in literature than is the analysis of the human heart.

Every man has seen the wall that limits his mind.

France, for example, loves at the same time history and the drama, because the one explores the vast destinies of humanity, and the other the individual lot of man.