[W]hat counts is that one perceives excellence and dares to give it expression, which sounds little but is in fact a great deal.

Mediocrity has no greater consolation than in the thought that genius is not immortal.

Our passions are true phoenixes; as the old burn out the new straight rise up from the ashes.

Master and Doctor are my titles; for ten years now, without repose, I held my erudite recitals and led my pupils by the nose.

One is led astray alike by sympathy and coldness, by praise and by blame

‎It has ever been my fate to give pain to those whose happiness I should have promoted.

How can we know ourselves? Never by reflection, but only through action. Begin at once to do your duty and immediately you will know what is inside you.