The one person who has more illusions than the dreamer is the man of action.

Everyone may not be good, but there's always something good in everyone. Never judge anyone shortly because every saint has a past and every sinner has a future.

If Nature had been comfortable, mankind would never have invented architecture.

The only sin is stupidity.

As for the virtuous poor, one can pity them, of course, but one cannot possibly admire them. They have made private terms with the enemy, and sold their birthright for very bad pottage. They must also be extraordinarily stupid.

Wickedness is a myth invented by good people to account for the curious attractiveness of others.

Yes, I am a thorough republican. No other form of government is so favorable to the growth of art.