M. Myriel had to undergo the fate of every newcomer in a little town, where there are many mouths which talk, and very few heads which think.

Each of our passions, even love, has a stomach that must not be overloaded. We must in everything write the word 'finis' in time; we must restrain ourselves, when it becomes urgent; we must draw the bolt on the appetite, play a fantasia on the violin, then break the strings with our own hand. The Wise man is he who knows when and how to stop.

If you look in the eyes of the young, you see flame. If you look in the eyes of the old, you see light.

What is called honors and dignities, and even honor and dignity, is generally fool's gold.

Pain is as diverse as man. One suffers as one can.

Mirrors, those revealers of the truth, are hated; that does not prevent them from being of use.

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)