If you want someone to develop a specific trait, treat them as though they already had it.

Who is the happiest man? He who is alive to the merit of others, and can rejoice in their enjoyment as if it were his own.

Most pioneers are at the mercy of doubt at the beginning, whether of their worth, of their theories, or of the whole enigmatic field in which they labour.

Men are joined by conviction, sundered by opinion.

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.

When intelligent and sensible people despise knowledge in their old age, it is only because they have asked too much of it and of themselves.

National literature does not mean much these days; now is the age of world literature, and every one must contribute to hasten thearrival of that age.