Honore de Balzac

Bureaucracy is a giant mechanism operated by pygmies.

The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one.

Manners are the hypocrisy of a nation.

Why do men fight who were born to be brothers?

Life would pall if it were all sugar; salt is bitter if taken by itself; but when tasted as part of the dish, it savours the meat. Difficulties are the salt of life.

Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.