Nature understands no jesting. She is always true, always serious, always severe. She is always right, and the errors are always those of man.

A person places themselves on a level with the ones they praise.

Are we not also married to conscience which we would love to get rid of often enough since it is more bothersome than a man or a woman ever could become?

There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings.

The affairs of the world are no more than so much trickery, and a man who toils for money or honour or whatever else in deference to the wishes of others, rather than because his own desire or needs lead him to do so, will always be a fool.

No one would talk much in society if they knew how often they misunderstood others.

I am amazed to see how deliberately I have entangled myself step by step. To have seen my position so clearly, and yet to have acted so like a child!