We can be said only to fulfil our destiny in the place that gave us birth. I should on this account like well enough to spend the whole of my life in travelling abroad, if I could anywhere borrow another life to spend afterwards at home!

To display the greatest powers, unless they are applied to great purposes, makes nothing for the character of greatness.

An honest man speaks the truth, though it may give offence; a vain man, in order that it may.

To be wiser than other men is to be honester than they; and strength of mind is only courage to see and speak the truth.

Rules and models destroy genius and art.

Grace in women has more effect than beauty.

A distinction has been made between acuteness and subtlety of understanding. This might be illustrated by saying that acuteness consists in taking up the points or solid atoms, subtlety in feeling the air of truth.