The passions grafted on wounded pride are the most inveterate; they are green and vigorous in old age.

The irrational in the human has something about it altogether repulsive and terrible, as we see in the maniac, the miser, the drunkard or the ape.

Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

The wisest mind has something yet to learn.

To be brief is almost a condition of being inspired.

Proofs are the last thing looked for by a truly religious mind which feels the imaginary fitness of its faith.

Emotion is primarily about nothing and much of it remains about nothing to the end.