to tempt and be tempted are closely allied; and in spite of all the finest moral maxims buried in the mind, when emotion interferes, when feeling makes its appearance, one is already much further involved that one realizes, and I have still not learnt how to prevent its appearance.

Men make love more intensely at 20, but make love better, however, at 30.

All punishments by which the human body might be maimed are barbarbarism.

If Russians knew how to read, they would write me off.

I like to praise and reward in a loud voice and to scold in a whisper.

The more a man knows, the more he forgives.

Nothing is more difficult, in my opinion, than to avoid something that fundamentally attracts you.