Novelty is both delightful and deceptive.

Do you know how a man makes his way here? By brilliant genius or by skilful corruption. You must either cut your way through these masses of men like a cannon ball, or steal among them like a plague.

I prefer thought to action, an idea to a transaction, contemplation to activity.

Marriage is an institution necessary to the maintenance of society but contrary to the laws of nature.

A lover always thinks of his mistress first and himself second; with a husband it runs the other way.

All we are is in the soul.

True love is eternal, infinite, and always like itself. It is equal and pure, without violent demonstrations: it is seen with white hairs and is always young in the heart.