My God, how badly one calculates in this world! ... Let us leave off calculating on anything but death -- it is the only certainty.

Witticisms are fire-arms, that make a noise and give pain.

My God, how badly one calculates in this world! ... Let us leave off calculating on anything but death -- it is the only certainty.

The effect of every burden laid down is to leave us relieved; and when the soul has laid down that of its faults at the feet of God, it feels as though it had wings.

One has so much time for thought in the country! However occupied one may be, 'tis with nothing that engrosses the mind, which works away on its own account like a mill-wheel.

Fear is the beginning of wisdom.

Solitude causes us to write because it causes us to think.