Pleasure is often spoiled by describing it.
STENDHALPleasure is often spoiled by describing it.
STENDHALThe first qualification for a historian is to have no ability to invent.
STENDHALPolitics in a literary work, is like a gun shot in the middle of a concert, something vulgar, and however, something which is impossible to ignore.
STENDHALMan is not free to refuse to do the thing which gives him more pleasure than any other conceivable action.
STENDHALWhen a man leaves his mistress, he runs the risk of being betrayed two or three times daily.
STENDHALPeople are less self-conscious in the intimacy of family life and during the anxiety of a great sorrow. The dazzling varnish of an extreme politeness is then less in evidence, and the true qualities of the heart regain their proper proportions.
STENDHALAlmost all our misfortunes in life come from the wrong notions we have about the things that happen to us.
STENDHALThe sight of anything extremely beautiful, in nature or in art, brings back the memory of what one loves, with the speed of lightning.
STENDHALGod’s only excuse is that he does not exist.
STENDHALEvery great action is extreme when it is undertaken. Only after it has been accomplished does it seem possible to those creatures of more common stuff.
STENDHALIf you think of paying court to the men in power, your eternal ruin is assured.
STENDHALBut, if I sample this pleasure so prudently and circumspectly, it will no longer be a pleasure.
STENDHALWomen are always eagerly on the lookout for any emotion.
STENDHALWhy not make an end of it all? My life is a succession of griefs and bitter feelings. What is death? A very small matter, when all is said; only a fool would be concerned about it.
STENDHALA very small matter, when all is said; only a fool would be concerned about it.
STENDHALOne can acquire everything in solitude except character.
STENDHAL