One act of beneficence, one act of real usefulness, is worth all the abstract sentiment in the world.

Wisdom can boast no higher attainment than happiness.

Virtue and taste are nearly the same, for virtue is little more than active taste, and the most delicate affections of each combine in real love.

I tasted too what was called the sweet of revenge - but it was transient, it expired even with the object, that provoked it.

What are riches - grandeur - health itself, to the luxury of a pure conscience, the health of the soul; - and what the sufferings of poverty, disappointment, despair - to the anguish of an afflicted one!

But St. Aubert had too much good sense to prefer a charm to a virtue.

There is some comfort in dying surrounded by one's children.