Genius is essentially creative; it bears the stamp of the individual who possesses it.

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

The entire social order ... is arrayed against a woman who wants to rise to a man's reputation.

Enthusiasm gives life to what is invisible; and interest to what has no immediate action on our comfort in this world.

The thing that must be preserved in all situations whatever is the reputation of one's character.

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

The memories which come to us through music are not accompanied by any regrets; for a moment music gives us back the pleasures it retraces, and we feel them again rather than recollect them.