The more we know the better we forgive. Whoever feels deeply, feels for all who live.

Where no interest is takes in science, literature and liberal pursuits, mere facts and insignificant criticisms necessarily become the themes of discourse; and minds, strangers alike to activity and meditation, become so limited as to render all intercourse with them at once tasteless and oppressive.

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

There are women vain of advantages not connected with their persons, such as birth, rank, and fortune; it is difficult to feel less the dignity of the sex. The origin of all women may be called celestial, for their power is the offspring of the gifts of Nature; by yielding to pride and ambition they soon destroy the magic of their charms.

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

There is no reality on this earth except religion and the power of love; all the rest is even more fugitive than life itself.

If it were not for respect for human opinions, I would not open my window to see the Bay of Naples for the first time, whilst I would go five hundred leagues to talk with a man of genius whom I had not seen.