Jean Jacques Rousseauis nothing but a fool in my eyes when he takes it upon himself to criticise society; he did not understand it, and approached it with the heart of an upstart flunkey.... For all his preaching a Republic and the overthrow of monarchical titles, the upstart is mad with joy if a Duke alters the course of his after-dinner stroll to accompany one of his friends.

I am mad, I am going under, I must follow the advice of a friend, and pay no heed to myself.

The difference breeds hatred.

Beauty is nothing but a promise of happiness.

People happy in love have an air of intensity.

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

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