Pay attention only to the form; emotion will come spontaneously to inhabit it. A perfect dwelling always finds an inhabitant. The artist's business is to build the dwelling; as for the inhabitant, it is up to the reader to provide him.

Sin is whatever obscures the soul.

Generally among intelligent people are found nothing but paralytics and among men of action nothing but fools.

It is often so: the harder it is to hear, the more a truth is worth saying.

Each of us really understands in others only those feelings he is capable of producing himself.

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.

How much more sensuality invites to art than does sentimentality.