Happiness is a monstrosity! Punished are those who seek it.

She (Madame Bovary) had that indefinable beauty that comes from happiness, enthusiasm, success - a beauty that is nothing more or less than a harmony of temperament and circumstances

Print: to see one's name in print! - Some people commit a crime for no other reason

One mustn't ask apple trees for oranges, France for sun, women for love, life for happiness.

But the disparaging of those we love always alienates us from them to some extent. We must not touch our idols; the gilt comes off in our hands.

The better a work is, the more it attracts criticism; it is like the fleas who rush to jump on white linens.