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.
Words are like eyeglasses they blur everything that they do not make clear.
Mediocrity is excellent to the eyes of mediocre people.
I quit Paris unwillingly, because I must part from my friends; and I quit the country unwillingly, because I must part from myself.
Strength is not energy; some authors have more muscles than talent.
Genuine witticisms surprise those who say them as much as those who listen to them; they arise in us in spite of us, or, at least, without our participation,--like everything inspired.