Our repugnance to death increases in proportion to our consciousness of having lived in vain.

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.

A situation in a public office is secure, but laborious and mechanical, and without the great springs of life, hope and fear.

A wise traveler never despises his own country.

One of the pleasantest things in the world is going on a journey; I can enjoy society in a room; but out of doors, nature is company enough for me. I am then never less alone than when alone.

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

The perfect joys of heaven do not satisfy the cravings of nature.