The passions are like fire, useful in a thousand ways and dangerous only in one, through their excess.

Earnestness is the devotion of all the faculties.

Contentment is not happiness. An oyster may be contented. Happiness is compounded of richer elements.

Alas, the transports beauty can inspire!

To death we owe our life; the passing of one generation opens a way for another.

Panic is a sudden desertion of us, and a going over to the enemy of our imagination.

Living with a saint is more grueling than being one.