Power is not revealed by striking hard or often, but by striking true.

For passion, be it observed, brings insight with it; it can give a sort of intelligence to simpletons, fools, and idiots, especially during youth.

Kindness is not without its rocks ahead. People are apt to put it down to an easy temper and seldom recognize it as the secret striving of a generous nature; whilst, on the other hand, the ill-natured get credit for all the evil they refrain from.

Our worst misfortunes never happen, and most miseries lie in anticipation.

Sometimes, one gesture comprises an entire drama, the accent of one word ruins an entire existence, and the indifference of one glance kills the happiest passion.

At fifteen, neither beauty nor talent exist: a woman is all promise.

Some troubles, like a protested note of a solvent debtor, bear interest.