The pleasure we derive from the representation of the present is due, not only to the beauty it can be clothed in, but also to its essential quality of being the present.

From that moment onwards, our loathsome society rushed, like Narcissus, to contemplate its trivial image on a metallic plate. A form of lunacy, an extraordinary fanaticism took hold of these new sun-worshippers.

Imagination is the queen of truth, and possibility is one of the regions of truth. She is positively akin to infinity.

It is the pleasure of astonishing others, and the proud satisfaction of never being astonished by them.

I consider it useless and tedious to represent what exists, because nothing that exists satisfies me. Nature is ugly, and I prefer the monsters of my fancy to what is positively trivial.

There is no sweeter pleasure than to surprise a man by giving him more than he hopes for.

The form of a town changes more swiftly alas! Than the heart of a mortal.