New doctrines ever displease the old. They like to fancy that the world has been losing wisdom, instead of gaining it, since they were young.

Who understands much forgives much. To understand everything makes us very forgiving.

Life resembles Gobelin tapestry; you do not see the canvass on the right side; but when you turn it, the threads are visible.

[On Napoleon:] One has the impression of an imperious wind blowing about one's ears when one is near that man.

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.

Enthusiasm signifies 'God in us.'

Anyone who can see as far as tomorrow in politics arouses the wrath of people who can see no farther than today.