To understand is to possess the thing understood, first by sympathy and then by intelligence.

To repel one's cross is to make it heavier.

The efficacy of religion lies precisely in what is not rational, philosophic, nor eternal; its efficacy lies in the unforeseen, the miraculous, the extraordinary. Thus religion attracts more devotion according as it demands more faith - that is to say, as it becomes more incredible to the profane mind.

Materialism coarsens and petrifies everything, making everything vulgar, and every truth false.

A thousand things advance; nine hundred and ninety nine retreat; That is progress.

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

Happiness does away with ugliness, and even makes the beauty of beauty.