I 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.

Of what use is the memory of facts, if not to serve as an example of good or of evil?

On the day when man told the story of his life to man, history was born.

I have a private theory, Sir, that there are no heroes and no monsters in this world. Only children should be allowed to use these words

Perform your long and heavy task with energy, treading the path to which Fate has been pleased to call you.

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 first among mankind will always be those who make something imperishable out of a sheet of paper, a canvas, a piece of marble, or a few sounds