Years place at last a venerable crown upon a head.

Heaven, on occasion, half opens its arms to us; and that is the great moment.

Philosophy is the microscope of thought. Everything desires to flee from it, but nothing escapes it.

When grace combines with wrinkles, it is admirable. There is an indescribable light of dawn about intensely happy old age. . . . The young person is handsome, but the old, superb.

France is great because she is France.

I don't mind what Congress does, as long as they don't do it in the streets and frighten the horses.

To destroy abuses is not enough; Habits must also be changed. The windmill has gone, but the wind is still there." ~old man G--- to Monseigneur Bienvenu Myriel