Mutual respect implies discretion and reserve even in love itself; it means preserving as much liberty as possible to those whose life we share. We must distrust our instinct of intervention, for the desire to make one's own will prevail is often disguised under the mask of solicitude.

To be always ready a man must be able to cut a knot, for everything cannot be untied.

Sacrifice still exists everywhere, and everywhere the elect of each generation suffers for the salvation of the rest.

Faith is certitude without proofs ... Faith is a sentiment, for it is a hope; it is an instinct, for it precedes all outward instruction.

Every situation is an equilibrium of forces; every life is a struggle between opposing forces working within the limits of a certain equilibrium

To do what is impossible for talent is the mark of genius.

To marry unequally is to suffer equally.