One's existence should be in two parts: one should live like a bourgeois and think like a demigod.

But the most wretched thing, is it not-is to drag out, as I do, a useless existence. If our pains were only of some use to someone, we should find consolation in the thought of the sacrifice.

What an elder sees sitting; the young can't see standing.

Pleasure is found first in anticipation, later in memory.

Madame Aubain's servant Felicite was the envy of the ladies of Pont-l'Eveque for half a century.

Whatever the thing you wish to say, there is but one word to express it, but one verb to give it movement, but one adjective to qualify it; you must seek until you find this noun, this verb, this adjective.

I'm absolutely removed from the world at such times...The hours go by without my knowing it. Sitting there I'm wandering in countries I can see every detail of - I'm playing a role in the story I'm reading. I actually feel I'm the characters - I live and breath with them.