Will power is to the mind like a strong blind man who carries on his shoulders a lame man who can see.

Religion is the metaphysics of the masses.

Shame on such a morality that is worthy of pariahs, and that fails to recognize the eternal essence that exists in every living thing, and shines forth with inscrutable significance from all eyes that see the sun!

The business of the novelist is not to relate great events, but to make small ones interesting.

A book can never be anything more than the impression of its author’s thoughts. The value of these thoughts lies either in the matter about which he has thought, or in the form in which he develops his matter — that is to say, what he has thought about it.

On the path of actions, great heart is the chief recommendation; on that works, a great head.

Necessity is the constant scourge of the lower classes, ennui of the higher ones.