But when one has ceased to have them, too often one cannot.

An aphorism is true where it has fixed the impression of a genuine experience.

The hunter for aphorisms on human nature has to fish in muddy water, and he is even condemned to find much of his own mind.

I can myself conceive of nothing else than the experienced.

Adam knew Eve his wife and she conceived. It is a pity that this is still the only knowledge of their wives at which some men seem to arrive.

There are persons who, when they cease to shock us, cease to interest us.

True penitence condemns to silence. What a man is ready to recall he would be willing to repeat.