The politics of courtiers resemble their shadows; they cringe and turn with the sun of the day.

Every generous illusion of youth leaves a wrinkle as it departs. Experience is the successive disenchanting of the things of life; it is reason enriched with the heart's spoils.

Our interests are grains of opium to our consciences, but they only put it to sleep for a terrible awakening.

To endeavor to move by the same discourse hearers who differ in age, sex, position and education is to attempt to open all locks with the same key.

Where talent is a dwarf, self-esteem is a giant.

The wonderful fortune of some writers deludes and leads to misery a great number of young people.

There is certainly no beauty on earth which exceeds the natural loveliness of woman.