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

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.

Present unhappiness is selfish; past sorrow is compassionate.

The happiness which is lacking makes one think even the happiness one has unbearable.

What is love? two souls and one flesh; friendship? two bodies and one soul.

Poetry is the exquisite expression of exquisite impressions.

When orators and auditors have the same prejudices, those prejudices run a great risk of being made to stand for incontestable truths.