I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.

Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last.

I like this day; I like that sky of steel; I like the sternness and stillness of the world under this frost.

The trouble is not that I am single and likely to stay single, but that I am lonely and likely to stay lonely.

So you shun me? - you shut yourself up and grieve alone! I would rather you had come and upbraided me with vehemence. You are passionate: I expected a scene of some kind. I was prepared for the hot rain of tears; only I wanted them to be shed on my breast: now a senseless floor has received them, or your drenched handkerchief. But I err: you have not wept at all! I see a white cheek and faded eye, but no trace of tears. I suppose, then, that your heart has been weeping blood?

Intelligence and proper education will give you independence of spirit.

Monsieur, sit down; listen to me. I am not a heathen, I am not hard-hearted, I am not unchristian, I am not dangerous, as they tell you; I would not trouble your faith; you believe in God and Christ and the Bible, and so do I.