The French are the wittiest, the most charming, and up to the present, at all events, the least musical race on Earth.

I think being condemned to death is the only real distinction," said Mathilde. "It is the only thing which cannot be bought.

Napoleon was indeed the man sent by God to help the youth of France! Who is to take his place?

Chélan had acted as imprudently for Julien as he had for himself. He had given him the habit of reasoning correctly, and of not being put off by empty words, but he had neglected to tell him that this habit was a crime in the person of no importance, since every piece of logical reasoning is offensive.

It is difficult to escape from the prevailing disease of one's generation.

To be loved at first sight, a man should have at the same time something to respect and something to pity in his face.

A novel is a mirror carried along a main road.