What matters deafness of the ear, when the mind hears? The one true deafness, the incurable deafness, is that of the mind.

An increase of tenderness always ended by boiling over and turning to indignation. He was at the point where we seek to adopt a course, and to accept what tears us apart.

There are many tongues to talk, and but few heads to think.

There are things stronger than the strongest man.

You are adorable, mademoiselle. I study your feet with the microscope and your soul with the telescope.

Caution is the eldest child of wisdom.

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart. The nearer I approach the end, the plainer I hear around me the immortal symphonies of the worlds which invite me. . . . For half a century I have been writing thoughts in prose, verse, history, drama, romance, tradition, satire, ode, and song. I have tried them all, but I feel I have not said a thousandth part of that which is within me. When I go down to the grave, I can say "I have finished my day's work," but I cannot say "I have finished my life's work."