Honoré de Balzac Quotes

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A man may and ought to pride himself more on his will than on his talent.

Honoré de Balzac

At fifteen, neither beauty nor talent exist: a woman is all promise.

Honoré de Balzac

One of the most detestable habits of Lilliputian minds is to find their own littleness in others.

Honoré de Balzac

Ah! how much a mother learns from her child! The constant protection of a helpless being forces us to so strict an alliance with virtue, that a woman never shows to full advantage except as a mother. Then alone can her character expand in the fulfillment of all life's duties and the enjoyment of all its pleasures.

Honoré de Balzac

Sometimes at the best moments a single word or a look is enough.'

Honoré de Balzac

I declare, on my soul and conscience, that the attainment of power, or of a great name in literature, seemed to me an easier victory than a success with some young, witty, and gracious lady of high degree.

Honoré de Balzac

No man has ever yet discovered the way to give friendly advice to any woman, not even to his own wife.

Honoré de Balzac