Almost everything comes from almost nothing.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

A man must be able to cut a knot for everything cannot be untied.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

A man must be able to cut a knot for everything cannot be untied he must know how to disengage what is essential from the detail in which it is entrapped for everything cannot be equally considered in a word he must be able to simplify his duties his business and his life.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

A man only understands what is akin to something already existing in himself.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

Analysis kills spontaneity. The grain once ground into flour germinates no more.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

Analysis kills spontaneity. The grain once ground into flour springs and germinates no more.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

A thousand things advance nine hundred and ninety-nine retreat that is progress.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

Cleverness is serviceable for everything sufficient for nothing.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty.

— Henri Frederic Amiel

Destiny has two ways of crushing us - by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them.

— Henri Frederic Amiel