Monsieur' to a convict is a glass of water to a man dying of thirst at sea; ignominy thirsts for respect.

In the vast cosmical changes, the universal life comes and goes in unknown quantities, ... sowing an animalcule here, crumbling a star there, oscillating and ... entangling, from the highest to the lowest, all activities in the obscurity of a dizzying mechanism, hanging the flight of an insect upon the movement of the earth... Enormous gearing, whose first motor is the gnat, and whose last wheel is the zodiac.

It is from books that wise men derive consolation in the troubles of life.

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)

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

If a man has his throat cut in Paris, it's a murder. If 50,000 people are murdered in the east, it is a question.

To die for lack of love is horrible. The asphyxia of the soul.