There is graciousness and a kind of urbanity in beginning with men by esteem and confidence. It proves, at least, that we have long lived in good company with others and with our selves.

The ordinary true, or purely real, cannot be the object of the arts. Illusion on a ground of truth,--that is the secret of the fine arts.

One should choose for a wife only such a woman as he would choose for a friend, were she a man.

When the painter wishes to represent an event, he cannot place before us too great a number of personages; but he cannot employ too few when he wishes to portray an emotion.

We use up in the passions the stuff that was given us for happiness.

Proverbs may be said to be the abridgment of wisdom.

One man finds in religion his literature and his science, another finds in it his joy and his duty.