836 Quotes by Honoré de Balzac

Tradesmen regard an author with a mixed feeling of terror, compassion and curiosity.

It is easy to sit up and take notice, What is difficult is getting up and taking action.

The Police and the Society of Jesus posses in common the virtue of never forsaking their enemies as friends.

I can no longer think of anything but you. In spite of myself, my imagination carries me to you. I grasp you, I kiss you, I caress you, a thousand of the most amorous caresses take possession of me.

Rich men are resolved to be astonished at nothing. When they see a masterpiece, they must needs at one glance recognize some flaw to dispense them from admiration, a vulgar emotion.

When we drink coffee, ideas march in like the army

It is no sin to be tempted; the wickedness lies in being overcome.

Our souls possess the unknown power of extending as well as contracting space.

Imagination helps bring out the realism of every detail and only sees the beauties of the work.