Every modulated sound is not a song, and every voice that executes a beautiful air does not sing. Singing should enchant. But to produce this effect there must be a quality of soul and voice which is by no means common even with great singers.

Old age was naturally more honored in times when people could not know much more than what they had seen.

Mediocrity is excellence in the eyes of the mediocre.

Genuine bon mots surprise those from whose lips they fall, no less than they do those who listen to them.

We must respect the past, and mistrust the present, if we wish to provide for the safety of the future.

It may be said that it is with our thoughts as with our flowers. Those whose expression is simple carry their seed with them; those that are double by their richness and pomp charm the mind, but produce nothing.

To be an agreeable guest one need only enjoy oneself.