Great souls are harmonious.

The folly which we might have ourselves committed is the one which we are least ready to pardon in another.

At first we hope too much and later on, not enough.

Like those statues which must be made larger than "nature" in order that, viewed from below, or from a distance, they may appear to be of the "natural" size, certain truths must be "strained" in order that the public may form a just idea of them.

Nothing vivifies, and nothing kills, like the emotions.

I look at what I have not and think myself unhappy; others look at what I have and think me happy.

Pleasure once tasted satisfies less than the desire experienced for its torments.