Modesty is the conscience of the body.

— Honore de Balzac

Necessity is often the spur to genius.

— Honore de Balzac

Nobody loves a woman because she is handsome or ugly, stupid or intelligent. We love because we love.

— Honore de Balzac

Nothing is a greater impediment to being on good terms with others than being ill at ease with yourself.

— Honore de Balzac

One should believe in marriage as in the immortality of the soul.

— Honore de Balzac

Our worst misfortunes never happen and most miseries lie in anticipation.

— Honore de Balzac

Passion is universal humanity. Without it religion history romance and art would be useless.

— Honore de Balzac

Passion is universal humanity. Without it religion, history, romance and art would be useless.

— Honore de Balzac

Political liberty, the peace of a nation, and science itself are gifts for which Fate demands a heavy tax in blood!

— Honore de Balzac

Power is action the electoral principle is discussion. No political action is possible when discussion is permanently established.

— Honore de Balzac