The idea of beauty which man creates for himself imprints itself on his whole attire, crumples or stiffens his dress, rounds off or squares his gesture, and in the long run even ends by subtly penetrating the very features of his face. Man ends by looking like his ideal self. These engravings can be translated either into beauty or ugliness; in one direction, they become caricatures, in the other, antique statues.

Even if it were proven that God didn't exist, Religion would still be Saintly and Divine.

I think I would be happy in that place I happen not to be, and this question of moving house is the subject of a perpetual dialogue I have with my soul.

Genius is childhood recalled at will.

My heart is lost; the beasts have eaten it.

Two fundamental literary qualities: supernaturalism and irony.

The habit of doing one's duty drives away fear.