Of all human sentiments, enthusiasm creates the most happiness; it is the only sentiment in fact which gives real happiness, the only sentiment which can help us to bear our human destiny in any situation in which we may find ourselves.

Gaiety pleases more when we are assured that it does not cover carelessness.

Conscience is doubtless sufficient to conduct the coldest character into the road of virtue; but enthusiasm is to conscience what honor is to duty; there is in us a superfluity of soul, which it is sweet to consecrate to the beautiful when the good has been accomplished.

Goethe has made a remark upon the perfectability of the human mind, which is full of sagacity: It is always advancing, but in a spiral line.

intellect is a sin that must be atoned for by leading exactly the life of those who have none.

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

Love is the whole history of a woman's life, it is but an episode in a man's.