A flippant, frivolous man may ridicule others, may controvert them, scorn them; but he who has any respect for himself seems to have renounced the right of thinking meanly of others.
It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it.
He who is plenteously provided for from within needs but little from without.
What chance gathers, she easily scatters. A great person attracts great people and knows how to hold them together.
In art, the best is good enough.
People have a peculiar pleasure in making converts, that is, in causing others to enjoy what they enjoy, thus finding their own likeness represented and reflected back to them.
Never by reflection, but only by doing is self- knowledge possible to one.
A joy shared is a joy doubled.
Mountains cannot be surmounted except by winding paths.
Wine rejoices the heart of man and joy is the mother of all virtues.
We are so constituted that we believe the most incredible things; and, once they are engraved upon the memory, woe to him who would endeavor to erase them.
There is no better deliverance from the world than through art, and a man can form no surer bond with it.
It is not enough to take steps which may someday lead to a goal; each step must be itself a goal and a step likewise.
Everything is both simpler than we can imagine and more entangled than we can conceive.
You accuse a woman of wavering affections, but don’t blame her; she is just looking for a consistent man.
Excellence is rarely found, more rarely valued.
The hero draws inspiration from the virtue of his ancestors.
He alone deserves liberty and life who daily must win them anew.
Desire is the presentiment of our inner abilities, and the forerunner of our ultimate accomplishments.
Everywhere, we learn only from those whom we love.