We owe to the Middle Ages the two worst inventions of humanity - romantic love and gunpowder.

Two human beings anchored to one another are like two ships shaken by waves; their carcases collide with one another and creak.

We can talk frankly about our defects only to those who recognise our qualities.

[...] marriage is one thing, and love is another...You need to have a solid canvas; nobody stops you to weave the arabesques.

A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.

The most important quality in a leader is that of being acknowledged as such. All leaders whose fitness is questioned are clearly lacking in force.

If you value a man's regard, strive with him. As to liking, you like your newspaper - and despise it.