Henri Fr�d�ric Amiel

Switzerland
27 Sep 1821 // 11 May 1881
Philosopher / Poet / Critic

Quotes

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Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you
Without passion man is a mere latent force and possibility, like the flint which awaits the shock of the iron before it can give forth its spark
What we call little things are merely the causes of great things; they are the beginning, the embryo, and it is the point of departure which, generally speaking, decides the whole future of an existence. One single black speck may be the beginning of a gangrene, of a storm, of a revolution
We only understand that which is already within us
We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves
Uncertainty is the refuge of hope
Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence
True humility is contentment
To marry unequally is to suffer equally
To live we must conquer incessantly, we must have the courage to be happy
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On Anger: "For every minute you remain angry, you give up sixty seconds of peace of mind."
Essays
On Destiny: "Our destiny exercises its influence over us even when, as yet, we have not learned its nature: it is our future that lays down the law of our today."
Human, All Too Human
On Friendship: "A crowd is not company; and faces are but a gallery of pictures; and talk but a tinkling cymbal, where there is no love."
Essays