Honore de Balzac

In diving to the bottom of pleasure we bring up more gravel than pearls.

In diving to the bottom of pleasure we bring up more gravel than pearls.

God is the author, men are only the players. These grand pieces
which are played upon earth have been read more

God is the author, men are only the players. These grand pieces
which are played upon earth have been composed in heaven.
[Fr., Dieu est le poete, les hommes ne sont que les acteurs. Ces
grandes pieces qui se jouent sur la terre ont ete composees dans
le ciel.]

Love is the poetry of the senses.

Love is the poetry of the senses.

All humanity is passion; without passion, religion, history, novels, art would be ineffectual.

All humanity is passion; without passion, religion, history, novels, art would be ineffectual.

We exaggerate misfortune and happiness alike. We are never as bad off or as happy as we say we are.

We exaggerate misfortune and happiness alike. We are never as bad off or as happy as we say we are.