The first distinction among men, and the first consideration that gave one precedence over another, was doubtless the advantage of beauty.

How often, being moved under a false cause, if the person offending makes a good defense and presents us with a just excuse, are we angry against truth and innocence itself?

We are Christians by the same title as we are natives of Perigord or Germany.

My art and profession is to live.

The world always looks straights ahead; as for me, I turn my gaze inward, I fix it there and keep it busy. Everyone looks in front of him: as for me, I look inside me: I have no business but with myself; I continually observe myself, I take stock of myself, I taste myself. Others...they always go forward; as for me, I roll about in myself.

He who fears he will suffer, already suffers from his fear.

The most universal quality is diversity.