Hell begins the day that God grants you the vision to see all that you could have done, should have done, and would have done, but did not do.

Great necessity elevates man, petty necessity casts him down

One should not wish anyone disagreeable conditions of life; but for him who is involved in them by chance, they are touchstones of characters and of the most decisive value to man.

Accepting good advice means nothing other than to strengthen one's own ability.

What I possess I would gladly retain. Change amuses the mind, yet scarcely profits.

An angel! Nonsense! Everybody so describes his mistress; and yet I find it impossible to tell you how perfect she is, or why she is so perfect: suffice it to say she has captivated all my senses.

If I love you, what business is it of yours?