In a world of hunchbacks, a fine figure becomes a monstrosity.
Men are so made that they can resist sound argument, and yet yield to a glance.
What moralist can deny that well-bred and vicious people are much more agreeable than their virtuous counterparts? Having crimes to atone for, they provisionally solicit indulgence by showing leniency toward the defects of their judges. Thus they pass for excellent folk.
Misfortune, no less than happiness, inspires us to dream.
A great writer is nothing less than a martyr who does not die.
Man's condition is horrible because, no matter what form his happiness may take, it arises from some species of ignorance.