Henri Frederic Amiel

“The fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes.”

“True humility is contentment.”

“Destiny has two ways of crushing us - by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them.”

“Society lives by faith, and develops by science.”

“In every loving woman there is a priestess of the past - a pious guardian of some affection, of which the object has disappeared.”

“We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves.”

“Sacrifice still exists everywhere, and everywhere the elect of each generation suffers for the salvation of the rest.”

“Let us be true: this is the highest maxim of art and of life, the secret of eloquence and of virtue, and of all moral authority.”

“Action and faith enslave thought, both of them in order not be troubled or inconvenienced by reflection, criticism, and doubt.”

“Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you.”

“Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence.”

“It is not what he had, or even what he does which expresses the worth of a man, but what he is.”

“Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.”

“Tell me what you feel in your room when the full moon is shining in upon you and your lamp is dying out, and I will tell you how old you are, and I shall know if you are happy.”

“Women wish to be loved without a why or a wherefore; not because they are pretty, or good, or well-bred, or graceful, or intelligent, but because they are themselves.”

“Sacrifice, which is the passion of great souls, has never been the law of societies.”

“To shun one's cross is to make it heavier.”

“The best path through life is the highway.”

“There is no respect for others without humility in one's self.”

“Tears are the symbol of the inability of the soul to restrain its emotion and retain its self command.”