Reason dissipates the illusions of life, but does not console us for their departure.

In France, a woman may forget that she is neither young nor handsome; for the absence of these claims to attention does not expose her to be neglected by the male sex.

The difference between weakness and wickedness is much less than people suppose; and the consequences are nearly always the same.

A German writer observes: "The noblest characters only show themselves in their real light. All others act comedy with their fellow-men even unto the grave.

Some people are capable of making great sacrifices, but few are capable of concealing how much the effort has cost them; and it is this concealment that constitutes their value.

Religion converts despair, which destroys, into resignation, which submits.

There is no magician like love.