The Greeks put us to shame not only by their simplicity, which is foreign to our age; they are at the same time our rivals, nay, frequently our models, in those very points of superiority from which we seek comfort when regretting the unnatural character of our manners. We see that remarkable people uniting at once fullness of form and fullness of substance, both philosophising and creating, both tender and energetic, uniting a youthful fancy to the virility of reason in a glorious humanity.

Forgiveness is the finding again of a lost possession.

Grace is the beauty of form under the influence of freedom.

What shall he fear that does not fear death.

The rich become richer and the poor become poorer is a cry heard throughout the whole civilized world.

Against stupidity, God Himself fights in vain.

Man, one may say, was never in such a completely animal condition; but he has, on the other hand, never escaped from it.