According to man's environment, society has made as many different types of men as there are varieties in zoology. The differences between a soldier, a workman, a statesman, a tradesman, a sailor, a poet, a pauper and a priest, are more difficult to seize, but quite considerable as the differences between a wolf, a lion, an ass, a crow, a sea-calf, a sheep, and so on.

In love, what a woman mistakes for disgust is actually clearsightedness. If she does not admire a man, she scorns him.

Are not poets men who fulfill their hopes prematurely?

How did you get back?' asked Vautrin. 'I walked,' replied Eugene. 'I wouldn't like half-pleasures, myself,' observed the tempter. 'I'd want to go there in my own carriage, have my own box, and come back in comfort. All or nothing, that's my motto.' 'And a very good one,' said Madame Vauquer.

Who is to decide which is the grimmer sight: withered hearts, or empty skulls?

A man may and ought to pride himself more on his will than on his talent.

Men die in despair, while spirits die in ecstasy.