Taste is to literature what bon ton is in society.

Wit lies in recognizing the resemblance among things which differ and the difference between things which are alike.

[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.

Have you not observed that faith is generally strongest in those whose character may be called the weakest?

The more I see of man, the more I like dogs.

It is difficult to grow old gracefully.

We cease loving ourselves if no one loves us.