If the flower were not attached to its stem, it would flee at the approach of man, like the insect or the bird; for the attribute of man on the earth, at least as long as he does not better understand his role, is to worry and frighten what he is not interested in taming for utilitarian purposes. Man is skillful in mistreating everything he can use

In hell there is no other punishment than to begin over and over again the tasks left unfinished in your lifetime.

Other people's appetites easily appear excessive when one doesn't share them.

Solitude is bearable only with God.

It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace.

One is always wrong to open a conversation with the devil, for, however he goes about it, he always insists upon having the last word.

Clear and precise ideas are the most dangerous, for one does not dare to change them.