Indeed, man has two different beings inside him. What devil thought of that malicious touch?

— Stendhal

In love, unlike most other passions, the recollection of what you have had and lost is always better than what you can hope for in the future.

— Stendhal

In Paris, Julien’s position with regard to Madame de Renal would very soon have been simplified; but in Paris love is the child of the novels. The young tutor and his timid mistress would have found in three or four novels, and even in the lyrics of the Gymnast, a clear statement of their situation. The novels would have outlined for them the part to be played, shown them the model to copy; and this model, sooner or later, albeit without the slightest pleasure, and perhaps with reluctance, vanity would have compelled Julien to follow. In a small town of the Avalon or the Pyrenees, the slightest incident would have been made decisive by the ardor of the climate. Beneath our more somber skies, a penniless young man, who is ambitious only because the refinement of his nature puts him in need of some of those pleasures which money provides, is in daily contact with a woman of thirty who is sincerely virtuous, occupied with her children, and never looks to novels for examples of conduct. Everything goes slowly, everything happens by degrees in the provinces: life is more natural.

— Stendhal

I think being condemned to death is the only real distinction," said Mathilde. "It is the only thing which cannot be bought.

— Stendhal

Julien felt himself to be strong and resolute like a man who sees clearly into his own heart.

— Stendhal

Logic is neither an art nor a science but a dodge.

— Stendhal

Love born in the brain is more spirited, doubtless, than true love, but it has only flashes of enthusiasm; it knows itself too well, it criticizes itself incessantly; so far from banishing thought, it is itself reared only upon a structure of thought.

— Stendhal

Mathilde made an effort to use the more intimate form; she was evidently more attentive to this unusual way of speaking than to what she was saying. This use of the singular form, stripped of the tone of affection, ceased, after a moment, to afford Julien any pleasure, he was astonished at the absence of happiness; finally, in order to feel it, he had recourse to his reason. He saw himself highly esteemed by this girl who was so proud, and never bestowed unrestricted praise; by this line of reasoning he arrived at a gratification of his self-esteem.

— Stendhal

Nothing is so hideous as an obsolete fashion.

— Stendhal

One can acquire everything in solitude but character.

— Stendhal