Reconciliation with our enemies is simply a desire to better our condition, a weariness of war, or the fear of some unlucky thing from occurring.

Neither the sun nor death can be looked at steadily.

There is merit without rank, but there is no rank without some merit.

The mark of extraordinary merit is to see those most envious of it constrained to praise.

Humility is the altar upon which God wishes that we should offer Him His sacrifices.

It appears that nature has hid at the bottom of our hearts talents and abilities unknown to us. It is only the passions that have the power of bringing them to light, and sometimes give us views more true and more perfect than art could possibly do.

It is no tragedy to do ungrateful people favors, but it is unbearable to be indebted to a scoundrel.