Rules of society are nothing; one's conscience is the umpire.

The first step is the hardest.

[On the legend that after being beheaded St. Denis walked six miles with his head in his hands:] It is only the first step that is difficult.

. . . everything seems insupportable to me. This may very well be because I am insupportable myself.

Let us strive to improve ourselves, for we cannot remain stationary; one either progresses or retrogrades.

God is not more incomprehensible than you; but if he is not more just, it is hardly worth while beIieving in him.

Ah! I shall repeat it endlessly, the only misfortune is to be born!