The purpose of life seems to be to acquaint a man with himself and whatever science or art or course of action he engages in reacts upon and illuminates the recesses of his own mind. Thus friends seem to be only mirrors to draw out and explain to us ourselves; and that which draws us nearer our fellow man, is, that the deep Heart in one, answers the deep Heart in another, - that we find we have (a common Nature) - one life which runs through all individuals, and which is indeed Divine.

Can anything be so elegant as to have few wants, and to serve them one's self?

The hearing ear is always found close to the speaking tongue.

I would study, I would know, I would admire forever.

The world - this shadow of the soul, or other me - lies wide around. Its attractions are the keys which unlock my thoughts and make me acquainted with myself. I run eagerly into this resounding tumult... So much only of life as I know by experience... The true scholar grudges every opportunity of action past by, as a loss of power.

Let him go where he will, he can only find so much beauty or worth as he carries.

Every sentence spoken by Napoleon, and every line of his writing, deserves reading, as it is the sense of France.