Our virtues are dearer to us the more we have had to suffer for them. It is the same with our children. All profound affection admits a sacrifice.

Magnanimity will not consider the prudence of its motives.

Some authors regard morality in the same light as we regard modern architecture. Convenience is the first thing to be looked for.

The maxim that men are not to be praised before their death was invented by envy and too lightly adopted by philosophers.

Most people grow old within a small circle of ideas, which they have not discovered for themselves. There are perhaps less wrong-minded people than thoughtless.

It is easy to criticize an author, but difficult to appreciate him.

We have neither the strength nor the opportunity to accomplish all the good and all the evil which we design.