“Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones just as the wind blows out a candle and fans a fire.”

“We promise according to our hopes and perform according to our fears.”

“We always love those who admire us and we do not always love those whom we admire.”

“Old men are fond of giving good advice to console themselves for being no longer in a position to give bad examples.”

“We give advice but we do not inspire conduct.”

“Few people know how to be old.”

“But that woman is an encyclopedia!Of all vices, ancient and modern, and terribly interesting to leaf through!”

“A strange girl, all phosphorous and cantharides, burning with every desire! And burning with every vice!”

“The modern world is not evil; in some ways the modern world is far too good. It is full of wild and wasted virtues. When a religious scheme is shattered...it is not merely the vices that are let lo...”