Perfect works are rare, because they must be produced at the happy moment when taste and genius unite; and this rare conjuncture, like that of certain planets, appears to occur only after the revolution of several cycles, and only lasts for an instant.

One does not learn how to die by killing others.

Something you consider bad may bring out your child’s talents; something you consider good may stifle them.

Achilles exists only through Homer. Take away the art of writing from this world, and you will probably take away its glory .

Religion assures us that our afflictions shall have an end; she comforts us, she dries our tears, she promises us another life. On the contrary, in the abominable worship of atheism, human woes are the incense, death is the priest, a coffin the altar, and annihilation the Deity.

Alexander created cities everywhere he passed: I have left dreams everywhere I have trailed my life.

Music is the child of prayer, the companion of religion.

My downfall made a great noise: those who appeared most satisfied criticized the manner of it.

The original writer is not he who refrains from imitating others, but he who can be imitated by none.

Let us not disdain glory too much; nothing is finer, except virtue. The height of happiness would be to unite both in this life.