God defend me from being an honest man according to the description which every day I see made by each man to his own glorification

One may disavow and disclaim vices that surprise us and whereto our passions transport us. But those which by long habit are rooted in a strong and anchored in a powerful will are not subject to contradiction. Repentance is but a denying of our will, and an opposition of our fantasies, which diverts us here and there.

Friendship that possesses the whole soul, and there rules and sways with an absolute sovereignty, can admit of no rival.

When a Roman was returning from a trip, he used to send someone ahead to let his wife know, so as not to surprise her in the act.

Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of soul, impossible.

Painting myself for others, I have painted my inward self with colors clearer than my original ones. I have no more made my book than my book has made me--a book consubstantial with its author, concerned with my own self, an integral part of my life; not concerned with some third-hand, extraneous purpose, like all other books.

There is nothing in which a horse's power is better revealed than in a neat, clean stop.