The wicked envy and hate; it is their way of admiring.

The delight we inspire in others has this enchanting peculiarity that, far from being diminished like every other reflection, it returns to us more radiant than ever.

You have enemies? Why, it is the story of every man who has done a great deed or created a new idea. It is the cloud which thunders around everything that shines. Fame must have enemies, as light must have gnats. Do no bother yourself about it; disdain. Keep your mind serene as you keep your life clear.

There is no such thing as a little country. The greatness of a people is no more determined by their numbers than the greatness of a man is by his height.

With a tiny bit of effort, the nettle would be useful; if you neglect it, it becomes a pest. So then we kill it. How many men are like nettles My friends, there is no such thing as a weed and no such thing as a bad man. There are only bad cultivators.

I repeat, whether we be Italians or Frenchmen, misery concerns us all.

In the domain of art there is no light without heat.