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.

We want our friend as a man of talent, less because he has talent than because he is our friend.

Since unhappiness excites interest, many, in order to render themselves interesting, feign unhappiness.

A face which is always serene possesses a mysterious and powerful attraction: sad hearts come to it as to the sun to warm themselves again.

There are people who laugh to show their fine teeth; and there are those who cry to show their good hearts.

Great souls are harmonious.

The philosopher spends in becoming a man the time which the ambitious man spends in becoming a personage.