Let us interrogate the great apparition, that shines so peacefully around us.

Every actual State is corrupt. Good men must not obey the laws too well. What satire on government can equal the severity of censure conveyed in the word politics ....?

How much we forgive to those who yield us the rare spectacle of heroic manners! We will pardon them the want of books, or arts, and even of gentler virtues. How tenaciously we remember them!

The efforts which we make to escape from our destiny only serve to lead us into it.

Take the place and attitude to which you see your unquestionable right, and all men acquiesce.

In a library we are surrounded by many hundreds of dear friends, but they are imprisoned by an enchanter in these paper and leathern boxes.

Always scorn appearances and you always may.