Self-love, so sensitive in its own cause, has rarely any sympathy to spare for others.

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

Divine Wisdom, intending to detain us some time on earth, has done well to cover with a veil the prospect of the life to come; for if our sight could clearly distinguish the opposite bank, who would remain on this tempestuous coast of time?

Scientific progress makes moral progress a necessity; for if man's power is increased, the checks that restrain him from abusing it must be strengthened.

I am glad that I am not a man, for then I should have to marry a woman.

The only equitable manner in my opinion, of judging the character of a man is to examine if there are personal calculations in his conduct; if there are not, we may blame his manner of judging, but we are not the less bound to esteem him.

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