Remorse is impotent; it will repeat its faults. Repentance only is a true force; it puts an end to everything.

The mind, too, has its regimen. It needs gymnastics, just like the body does.

Events are never absolute, their outcome depends entirely upon the individual. Misfortune is a stepping stone for a genius, a piscina for a Christian, a treasure for a man of parts, and an abyss for a weakling.

First love is a kind of vaccination which saves a man from catching the complaint the second time.

Men are such dupes by choice, that he who would impose upon others never need be at a loss to find ready victims.

Now literary success can only be won in solitude by persevering labor.

Manners are the hypocrisy of a nation.