Not all that is presented to us as history has really happened; and what really happened did not actually happen the way it is presented to us; moreover, what really happened is only a small part of all that happened. Everything in history remains uncertain, the largest events as well as the smallest occurrence.

Please send me your last pair of shoes, worn out with dancing as you mentioned in your letter, so that I might have something to press against my heart.

Love grants in a moment what toil can hardly acheive in an age.

All that is noble is in itself of a quiet nature, and appears to sleep until it is aroused and summoned forth by contrast.

Nature reacts not only to physical disease, but also to moral weakness; when the danger increases; she gives us greater courage

Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.

Those only obtain love, for the most part, who seek it not.