Sadness takes up the pen more readily than joy.

The stationary condition is the beginning of the end

Men don't achieve truth because they lack humility and love of truth. They won't criticize their own beliefs. Truth would overwhelm them.

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.

True humility is contentment.

Sympathy is the first condition of criticism; reason and justice presuppose, at their origin, emotion.

Life alone can rekindle life.