Political liberty, the peace of a nation, and science itself are gifts for which Fate demands a heavy tax in blood!

In France we can cauterize wounds but we do not yet know any remedy for the injuries inflicted by a bon mot.

I believe in the incomprehensibility of God.

We cannot confront solitude without moral resources.

Art's greatest efforts are invariably a timid counterfeit of Nature.

Perhaps it is only human nature to inflict suffering on anything that will endure suffering, whether by reason of its genuine humility, or indifference, or sheer helplessness.

Suffering predisposes the mind to devoutness; and most young girls, prompted by instinctive tenderness, lean towards mysticism, the obscurer side of religion.