“What is the use of Christ's words, unless we set an example?”

“Sometimes even if he has to do it alone, and his conduct seems to be crazy, a man must set an example, and so draw men's souls out of their solitude and spur them to some act of brotherly love, that the great idea may not die.”

“A percentage! What splendid words they have; they are so scientific, so consolatory.... Once you've said 'percentage' there's nothing more to worry about. If we had any other word... maybe we might feel more uneasy....”

“An artist must know the reality he is depicting in its minutest detail. In my opinion we have only one shining example of that - Count Leo Tolstoy.”

“a man is no example for a woman. It’s a different thing.”

“Lunatics! Vain creatures! They don't believe in God, they don't believe in Christ! Why, you are so eaten up with pride and vanity that you'll end up by eating one another, that's what I prophesy.”

“And why am I lying down? You must stand 'as an example and a reproach,' she says. Mais, entre nous soit dit, what else can a man destined to be a standing 'reproach' do but lie down--doesn't she see that?”