[On Russia:] In every way, there is something gigantic about this people: ordinary dimensions have no applications whatever to it. I do not mean by this that true greatness and stability are never met with; but their boldness, their imaginativeness knows no bounds. With them everything is colossal rather than well-proportioned, audacious rather than well-considered, and if they do not attain their goals, it is because they exceed them.
Madame de StaelThe life of famous men was more glorious in antiquity; the life of obscure men is happier with the moderns.
Madame de Staelwomen have no existence except in love; the history of their life begins and ends with love!
Madame de StaelI never was able to believe in the existence of next year except as in a metaphysical notion.
Madame de Stael