Society develops wit, but its contemplation alone forms genius.

Conscience is doubtless sufficient to conduct the coldest character into the road of virtue; but enthusiasm is to conscience what honor is to duty; there is in us a superfluity of soul, which it is sweet to consecrate to the beautiful when the good has been accomplished.

Exile: A tomb in which you can get mail.

[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.

There is no second country for an Englishman, except a ship and the sea.

I must keep on rowing, not until I reach port but until I reach my grave.

We cease loving ourselves if no one loves us.