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

Indeed, man has two different beings inside him. What devil thought of that malicious touch?

If I meet the Christian Deity, I am lost: He is a tyrant and as such, is full of ideas of vengeance; His Bible speaks of nothing but fearful punishments. I never loved Him! I could never even believe that anyone did love Him sincerely. He is devoid of pity.... He will punish me in some abominable manner.

On a cold winter morning a cigar fortifies the soul.

The more one pleases everybody, the less one pleases profoundly.

The difference breeds hatred.

A very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love.