One can no more keep the mind from returning to an idea than the sea from returning to a shore. For a sailor, this is called the tide; in the case of the guilty it is called remorse. God stirs up the soul as well as the ocean.

Babylon violated diminishes Alexander; Rome enslaved diminishes Caesar; massacred Jerusalem diminishes Titus. Tyranny follows the tyrant. Woe to the man who leaves behind a shadow that bears his form.

Profound hearts, wise minds, take life as God makes it; it is a long trial, and unintelligible preparation for the unknown destiny.

This book should be read as one would read the book of a dead man.

I like the laughter that opens the lips and the heart, shows at the same time the pearls and the soul.

There is no more sovereign eloquence than the truth in indignation.

Every step which the intelligence of Europe has taken has been in spite of the clerical party.