We are not loved by our friends for what we are; rather, we are loved in spite of what we are.

Love is reducing the universe to one being.

Do not ask the name of the person who seeks a bed for the night. He who is reluctant to give his name is the one who most needs shelter.

What a gloomy thing, not to know the address of one's soul.

Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.

Ah! There you are! he exclaimed, looking at Jean Valjean. I'm so glad to see you. Well, but how is this? I gave you the candlesticks too, which are of silver like the rest, and for which you can certainly get two hundred francs. Why did you not carry them away with your forks and spoons?

To meditate is to labour; to think is to act.