The characteristic of Chaucer is intensity: of Spencer, remoteness: of Milton elevation and of Shakespeare everything.

To speak highly of one with whom we are intimate is a species of egotism. Our modesty as well as our jealousy teaches us caution on this subject.

We go on a journey to be free of all impediments; to leave ourselves behind much more than to get rid of others

Envy is a littleness of soul, which cannot see beyond a certain point, and if it does not occupy the whole space feels itself excluded.

No man can thoroughly master more than one art or science.

The insolence of the vulgar is in proportion to their ignorance. They treat everything with contempt which they do not understand.

The true barbarian is he who thinks everything barbarous but his own tastes and prejudices.