Art belongs to all times and to all countries; its special benefit is precisely to be still living when everything else seems dying; that is why Providence shields it from too personal or too general passions, and grants it a patient and persevering organization, durable sensibility, and the contemplative sense in which lies invincible faith.

You see what stupid folk my publishers are; but they are all alike.

You can bind my body, tie my hands, govern my actions: you are the strongest, and society adds to your power; but with my will, sir, you can do nothing.

The more you lose the right to be jealous, the more so you become!

It is high time that we had lights that are not incendiary torches.

You may impose silence upon me, but you can not prevent me from thinking.

I'm not full of virtues and noble qualities. I love, but I love strongly, exclusive, stedfasty.