A man who is half an idiot, but who keeps a sharp lookout and acts prudently all his life, often enjoys the pleasure of triumphing over men of more imagination than he

People who have been made to suffer by certain things cannot be reminded of them without a horror which paralyses every other pleasure, even that to be found in reading a story.

Love is like a fever which comes and goes quite independently of the will. ... there are no age limits for love.

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.

Power, after love, is the first source of happiness.

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

Beauty is nothing but a promise of happiness.