Grief ennobles the commonest people because it has its own essential grandeur. To shine with the luster of grief, a person need only be sincere.

They ended as all great passions do end - by a misunderstanding.

All men can bear a familiar, definite misfortune better than the cruel alternations of a fate which, from one moment to another, brings excessive joy or sorrow.

Glory is a poison, good to be taken in small doses.

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.

Priests, magistrates and ladies never quite take off their gowns.

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