Neither man nor nation can exist without a sublime idea.

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

Being in love doesn't mean loving.

When I look back at the past and think of all the time I squandered in error and idleness,... then my heart bleeds. Life is a gift... every minute could have been an eternity of happiness! If only youth knew! Now my life will change; now I will be reborn.

In most cases, people, even wicked people, are far more naive and simple-hearted than one generally assumes. And so are we.

But gamblers know how a man can sit for almost twenty-four hours at cards, without looking to right, or to left.

It seems, in fact, as though the second half of a man's life is made up of nothing, but the habits he has accumulated during the first half.