I used to think of deathlike I suppose soldiers think of it: it was a possible thing that I could well avoid by my skill.

The idea which tyrants find most useful is the idea of God.

One-half, the finest half, of life is hidden from the man who does not love with passion.

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

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 no woman I have had ever gave me so sweet a moment, or at so light a price, as the moment I owe to a newly heard musical phrase.

...one of the traits of genius is not to drag its thought through the rut worn by vulgar minds.