Repentance is but a denying of our will, and an opposition of our fantasies.

All other knowledge is hurtful to him who has not honesty and good-nature

To behave rightly, we ourselves should never lay a hand on our servants as long as our anger lasts. Things will seem different to us when we have quieted and cooled down.

A little of everything and nothing thoroughly, after the French fashion.

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.

Oh, what a valiant faculty is hope, that in a mortal subject, and in a moment, makes nothing of usurping infinity, immensity, eternity, and of supplying its masters indigence, at its pleasure, with all things he can imagine or desire!

It should be noted that children at play are not playing about; their games should be seen as their most serious-minded activity.