What brings enlightenment is experience, in the sad sense of this word--the pressure of hard facts and unintelligible troubles, making a man rub his eyes in his waking dream, and put two and two together. Enlightenment is cold water.

To turn events into ideas is the function of literature.

Truth is a jewel which should not be painted over; but it may be set to advantage and shown in a good light.

Tyrants are seldom free; the cares and the instruments of their tyranny enslave them.

Memory itself is an internal rumour.

Character is the basis of happiness and happiness the sanction of character.

There is wisdom in turning as often as possible from the familiar to the unfamiliar: it keeps the mind nimble, it kills prejudice, and it fosters humor.