It is only necessary to grow old to become more charitable and even indulgent. I see no fault committed by others that I have not committed myself.

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.

I am a part of the part that at first was all, part of the darkness that gave birth to the light, that supercilious light which now disputes with Mother Night her ancient rank and space, and yet cannot succeed; no matter how it struggles, it sticks to matter and can't get free. Light flows from substance, makes it beautiful.

Democracy does not race, it reaches the finish slowly but surely.

Those who hope for no other life are dead even for this.

A man's shortcomings are taken from his epoch; his virtues and greatness belong to himself.

The clever reader who is capable or reading between these lines what does not stand written in them but is nevertheless implied will be able to form some conception.