The tale of the Divine Pity was never yet believed from lips that were not felt to be moved by human pity.

The presence of a noble nature, generous in its wishes, ardent in its charity, changes the lights for us: we begin to see things again in their larger, quieter masses, and to believe that we too can be seen and judged in the wholeness of our character.

What a wretched lot of old shrivelled creatures we shall be by-and-by. Never mind - the uglier we get in the eyes of others, the lovelier we shall be to each other; that has always been my firm faith about friendship.

It is painful to be told that anything is very fine and not be able to feel that it is fine--something like being blind, while people talk of the sky.

I don't feel sure about doing good in any way now; everything seems like going on a mission to a people whose language I don't know.

I've never any pity for conceited people, because I think they carry their comfort about with them.

I have the conviction that excessive literary production is a social offence.