Originality is nothing by judicious imitation. The most original writers borrowed one from another. Doubt is uncomfortable, certainty is ridiculous. If we do not find anything very pleasant, at least we shall find something new. Whoever serves his country well has no need of ancestors.
History is just the portrayal of crimes and misfortunes.
I know many books which have bored their readers, but I know of none which has done real evil. I should like to lie at your feet and die in your arms. The multitude of books is making us ignorant. Anyone who seeks to destroy the passions instead of controlling them is trying to play the angel. Very often, say what you will, a knave is only a fool.