The loveliest Muse in the world does not feed her owner; these girls make fine mistresses but terrible wives
Alfred de VignyI think, then, that man, after having satisfied his first longing for facts, wanted something fuller - some grouping, some adaptation to his capacity and experience, of the links of this vast chain of events which his sight could not take in.
Alfred de VignyOf what use is the memory of facts, if not to serve as an example of good or of evil?
Alfred de VignyI 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
Alfred de Vigny