We can really respect a man only if he doesn't always look out for himself.

From desire I plunge to its fulfilment, where I long once more for desire.

Assuredly there is no more lovely worship of God than that for which no image is required, but which springs up in our breast spontaneously when nature speaks to the soul, and the soul speaks to nature face to face.

Few are open to conviction, but the majority of men are open to persuasion

The summit charms us, the steps to it do not; with the heights before our eyes, we like to linger in the plain. It is only a part of art that can be taught; but the artist needs the whole. He who is only half instructed speaks much and is always wrong; who knows it wholly is content with acting and speaks seldom or late.

The world is so great and rich, and life so full of variety, that you can never lack occasions for poems.

Well-mannered children could be conceived if the parents were well-mannered.