It is not my words that I polish, but my ideas.

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.

Whence? wither? why? how? - these questions cover all philosophy.

Beautiful works do not intoxicate, but they enchant.

There are some heads which have no windows, and the day can never strike from above; nothing enters from heavenard.

Which is more misshapen,--religion without virtue, or virtue without religion?

Luckily, I never feel at one time more than half my pains.