It seems to never occur to fools that merit and good fortune are closely united.

Thought expands, but paralyzes; action animates, but narrows.

What is fruitful alone is true.

Only by joy and sorrow does a person know anything about themselves and their destiny. They learn what to do and what to avoid.

Alas, that we should be so unwilling to listen to the still and holy yearnings of the heart! A god whispers quite softly in our breast, softly yet audibly; telling us what we ought to seek and what to shun.

It is commonly the personal character of a writer which gives him his public significance. It is not imparted by his genius. Napoleon said of Corneille, "Were he living I would make him a king;" but he did not read him. He read Racine, yet he said nothing of the kind of Racine.

No skill or art is needed to grow old; the trick is to endure it.