Politics in a literary work, is like a gun shot in the middle of a concert, something vulgar, and however, something which is impossible to ignore.

People are less self-conscious in the intimacy of family life and during the anxiety of a great sorrow. The dazzling varnish of anextreme politeness is then less in evidence, and the true qualities of the heart regain their proper proportions.

A woman of generous character will sacrifice her life a thousand times over for her lover, but will break with him for ever over a question of pride.

Faith, I am no such fool; everyone for himself in this desert of selfishness which is called life.

True love makes the thought of death frequent, easy, without terrors; it merely becomes the standard of comparison, the price one would pay for many things.

The Russians imitate French ways, but always at a distance of fifty years.

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