The denigration of those we love always detaches us from them in some degree. Never touch your idols: the gilding will stick to your fingers.

One never tires of what is well written, style is life! It is the very blood of thought!

Everything which one invents is true, be sure of it.

The idea of bringing someone into the world fills me with horror. I would curse myself if I were a father. A son of mine! Oh no, no, no! May my entire flesh perish and may I transmit to no one the aggravations and the disgrace of existence.

Snicker on hearing his name: 'the gentleman who thinks we are descended from the apes.'

DOCTOR. Always preceded by 'The good'. Among men, in familiar conversation, 'Oh! balls, doctor!' Is a wizard when he enjoys your confidence, a jack-ass when you're no longer on terms. All are materialists: 'you can't probe for faith with a scalpel.'

The principal thing in the world is to keep the soul aloft.