Talent develops in quiet, alone; character is sharpened in the torrent of the world.

We are never further from what we wish than when we believe that we have what we wished for.

Beauty is a primeval phenomenon, which itself never makes its appearance, but the reflection of which is visible in a thousand different utterances of the creative mind, and is as various as nature herself.

Oral delivery aims at persuasion and making the listener believe they are converted. Few persons are capable of being convinced the majority allow themselves to be persuaded.

Wine rejoices the heart of man and joy is the mother of all virtues.

Whoever wishes to keep a secret must hide the fact that he possesses one.

People are always talking about originality; but what do they mean? As soon as we are born, the world begins to work upon us; and this goes on to the end. And after all, what can we call our own, except energy, strength, and will? If I could give an account of all that I owe to great predecessors and contemporaries, there would be but a small balance in my favor.