Manners are the hypocrisy of a nation.

Danger arouses interest. Where death is involved, the vilest criminal invariably stirs a little compassion.

Beauty is the greatest of human powers. Any power without counterbalance or control becomes autocratic and leads to abuse and to folly. Despotism in a government is insanity; in woman, fantasy.

Squeeze marriage as much as you like, you will never extract anything from it but fun for bachelors and boredom for husbands.

Finance, like time, devours its own children.

I declare, on my soul and conscience, that the attainment of power, or of a great name in literature, seemed to me an easier victory than a success with some young, witty, and gracious lady of high degree.

Love or hatred must constantly increase between two persons who are always together; every moment fresh reasons are found for loving or hating better.