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

Love, supreme power of the heart, mysterious enthusiasm that encloses in itself all poetry, all heroism, all religion!

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.

The study of history, it seems to me, leads to the conviction that all important events tend toward the same end - the civilization of mankind.

Never, never have I been loved as I love others!

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