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
Alfred de VignyOf what use were the arts if they were only the reproduction and the imitation of life?
Alfred de VignyNo writer, no matter how gifted, immortalizes himself unless he has crystallized into expressive and original phrase the eternal sentiments and yearnings of the human heart.
Alfred de VignyA calm despair, without angry convulsions or reproaches directed at heaven, is the essence of wisdom.
Alfred de Vigny