Who can be sure that Jean Valjean had not been on the verge of losing heart and giving up the struggle? In loving he recovered his strength. But the truth is that he was no less vulnerable than Cosette. He protected her and she sustained him. Thanks to him she could go forward into life, and thanks to her he could continue virtous. He was the child's support and she his mainstay. Sublime, unfathomable marvel of the balance of destiny!

All who suffer are full of hatred; all who live drag a remorse: the dead alone have broken their chains.

Nature, like a kind and smiling mother, lends herself to our dreams and cherishes our fancies.

The true artist can only labor con amore.

France is great because she is France.

My greatness does not extend to this shelf.

The thirst for the Infinite proves infinity.