In every idea of genius or in every new human idea, or, more simply still, in every serious human idea born in anyone's brain, there is something that cannot possibly be conveyed to others.

What does reason know? Reason only knows what it has succeeded in learning.

One must be a great man indeed to be able to hold out even against common sense." "Or else a fool.

It is not the real punishment. The only effectual one, the only deterrent and softening one, lies in the recognition of sin by conscience.

A real gentleman, even if he loses everything he owns, must show no emotion. Money must be so far beneath a gentleman that it is hardly worth troubling about.

It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides them — the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive ideas.

The perpetration of a crime is accompanied by illness!