Misfortune makes of certain souls a vast desert through which rings the voice of God.
Honore de BalzacI 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.
Honore de BalzacMarriage must fight constantly against a monster which devours everything: routine.
Honore de Balzac