Common sense is the measure of the possible; it is composed of experience and prevision; it is calculation applied to life.

Peace is not in itself a dream, but we know it only as the result of a momentary equilibrium--an accident.

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.

Our true history is scarcely ever deciphered by others. The chief part of the drama is a monologue, or rather an intimate debate between God, our conscience, and ourselves. Tears, grieves, depressions, disappointments, irritations, good and evil thoughts, decisions, uncertainties, deliberations --all these belong to our secret, and are almost all incommunicable and intransmissible, even when we try to speak of them, and even when we write them down.

The philosopher aspires to explain away all mysteries, to dissolve them into light. Mystery on the other hand is demanded and pursued by the religious instinct; mystery constitutes the essence of worship, the power of proselytism.

You desire to know the art of living, my friend? It is contained in one phrase: make use of suffering.

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