In youth, grief comes with a rush and overflow, but it dries up, too, like the torrent. In the winter of life it remains a miserable pool, resisting all evaporation.

Old age is not one of the beauties of creation, but it is one of its harmonies. The law of contrasts is one of the laws of beauty. Under the conditions of our climate, shadow gives light its worth; sternness enhances mildness; solemnity, splendor. Varying proportions of size support and subserve one another.

There is nothing steadfast in life but our memories. We are sure of keeping intact only that which we have lost.

We expect everything and are prepared for nothing.

The very might of the human intellect reveals its limits.

Those who have suffered much are like those who know many languages; they have learned to understand and be understood by all.

Travel is the frivolous part of serious lives, and the serious part of frivolous ones.