Friend is sometimes a word devoid of meaning; enemy, never.

The omnipotence of evil has never resulted in anything but fruitless efforts. Our thoughts always escape from whoever tries to smother them.

If he had had all Peru in his pocket, he would certainly have given it to this dancer; but Gringoire had not Peru in his pocket; and besides, America was not yet discovered. (p. 66)

You ask me what forces me to speak? a strange thing; my conscience.

Philosophy should be an energy; it should find its aim and its effect in the amelioration of mankind.

Winter is on my head, but eternal spring is in my heart; I breathe at this hour the fragrance of the lilacs, the violets, and the roses, as at twenty years ago.

It is often necessary to know how to obey a woman in order sometimes to have the right to command her.