Whatever efforts one may make, one must revert to the realization that religion is the real basis of morality; religion is the real and perceptible purpose within us, which alone, can turn aside our attention from things. ... The science of morality can no more teach human beings to be honest, in all the magnificence of this word, than geometry can teach one how to draw.

The language of religion can alone suit every situation and every mode of feeling.

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

It is difficult to grow old gracefully.

in Italy, almost at every step, history and poetry add to the graces of nature, sweeten the memory of the past, and seem to preserve it in eternal youth.

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

A voyage without companionship, that is to say without conversation, is one of the saddest pleasures of life.