Quotes

Whenever conscience speaks with a divided, uncertain, and disputed voice, it is not the voice of God. Descend still deeper into yourself, until you hear nothing but a clear, undivided voice, a voice which does away with doubt and brings with it persuasion, light, and serenity.

Henri Frederic Amiel

What we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence. One single black speck may be the beginning of a gangrene, of a storm, of a revolution.

Henri Frederic Amiel

We only understand that which already within us.

Henri Frederic Amiel

We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves.

Henri Frederic Amiel

Uncertainty is the refuge of hope.

Henri Frederic Amiel

True humility is contentment.

Henri Frederic Amiel

To shun one's cross is to make it heavier.

Henri Frederic Amiel

To marry unequally is to suffer equally.

Henri Frederic Amiel

To live we must conquer incessantly, we must have the courage to be happy.

Henri Frederic Amiel

To know how to suggest is the great art of teaching. To attain it we must be able to guess what will interest; we must learn to read the childish soul as we might a piece of music. Then, by simply changing the key, we keep up the attraction and vary the song.

Henri Frederic Amiel

To do easily what is difficult for others is the mark of talent. To do what is impossible for talent is the mark of genius.

Henri Frederic Amiel

To depersonalize man is the dominant drift of our times.

Henri Frederic Amiel

Thought is a kind of opium; it can intoxicate us, while still broad awake; it can make transparent the mountains and everything that exists.

Henri Frederic Amiel

There is no respect for others without humility in one's self.

Henri Frederic Amiel

The only substance properly so called is the soul.

Henri Frederic Amiel

The man who insists upon seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides. Accept life, and you must accept regret.

Henri Frederic Amiel

The man who has no inner-life is a slave to his surroundings.

Henri Frederic Amiel

The fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes.

Henri Frederic Amiel

The best path through life is the highway.

Henri Frederic Amiel

The actors today really need the whip hand. They're so lazy. They haven't got the sense of pride in their profession that the less socially elevated musical comedy and music hall people or acrobats have. The theater has never been any good since the actors became gentlemen.

Henri Frederic Amiel