Understand that the only possession of any value is life.

The reasons that drive me to write are many and the most important are the most secret, I think. Perhaps most of all this: to put something out of death's reach.

We no longer admit any other truth than that which is expedient; for there is no worse error than the truth that may weaken the arm that is fighting.

Oh, would that my mind could let fall its dead ideas, as the tree does its withered leaves!

What would there be in a story of happiness? Only what prepares it, only what destroys it can be told.

Prejudices are the props of civilization.

True eloquence forgoes eloquence.