The wit of a family is usually best received among strangers.

The egoism which enters into our theories does not affect their sincerity; rather, the more our egoism is satisfied, the more robust is our belief.

Childhood is only the beautiful and happy time in contemplation and retrospect: to the child it is full of deep sorrows, the meaning of which is unknown.

The important work of moving the world forward does not wait to be done by perfect men.

There is a great deal of unmapped country within us which would have to be taken into account in an explanation of our gusts and storms.

The best happiness will be to escape the worst misery.

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns.