Our books approach very slowly the things we most wish to know.

The world always had the same bankrupt look, to foregoing ages as to us.

I am ashamed to see what a shallow village tale our so-called history is.

Society cannot do without cultivated men. As soon as the first wants are satisfied, the higher wants become imperative.

Not for nothing one face, one character, one fact makes much impression on him, and another none.

To finish the moment, to find the journey's end in every step of the road, to live the greatest number of good hours, is wisdom. It is not the part of men, but of fanatics, or of mathematicians, if you will, to say, that, the shortness of life considered, it is not worth caring whether for so short a duration we were sprawling in want, or sitting high. Since our office is with moments, let us husband them.

When we quarrel, how we wish we had been blameless.