[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.

The life of famous men was more glorious in antiquity; the life of obscure men is happier with the moderns.

We understand death for the first time when he puts his hand upon one whom we love

women have no existence except in love; the history of their life begins and ends with love!

I never was able to believe in the existence of next year except as in a metaphysical notion.

Men have made of fortune an all-powerful goddess, in order that she may be made responsible for all their blunder's.

Intellect does not attain its full force unless it attacks power.