The march of intellect, which licks all the world into shape, has even reached the devil.

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

It has been said that figures rule the world. Maybe. But I am sure that figures show us whether it is being ruled well or badly.

Faith is hidden household capital.

To be sure, we have inherited abilities, but our development we owe to thousands of influences coming from the world around us from which we appropriate what we can and what is suitable to us.

People will allow their faults to be shown them; they will let themselves be punished for them; they will patiently endure many things because of them; they only become impatient when they have to lay them aside.

My days are as happy as those reserved by God for his elect; and whatever be my fate hereafter, I can never say that I have not tasted joy— the purest joy of life.