Doing easily what others find difficult is talent; doing what is impossible for talent is genius. Henri Frederic Amiel
Analysis kills spontaneity. The grain once ground into flour springs and germinates no more. Henri Frederic Amiel
Charm is the quality in others, that makes us more satisfied with ourselves. Henri Frederic Amiel
Common sense is the measure of the possible; it is composed of experience and prevision; it is calculation applied to life. Henri Frederic Amiel
For purposes of action nothing is more useful than narrowness of thought combined with energy of will. Henri Frederic Amiel
Our duty is to be useful, not according to our desires but according to our powers. Henri Frederic Amiel
Destiny has two ways of crushing us – by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them. Henri Frederic Amiel
Great men are true men, the men in whom nature has succeeded. They are not extraordinary – they are in the true order. It is the other species of men who are not what they ought to be. Henri Frederic Amiel
Cleverness is serviceable for everything, sufficient for nothing. Henri Frederic Amiel
True humility is contentment. Henri Frederic Amiel
We are never more discontented with others than when we are discontented with ourselves. Henri Frederic Amiel
It is dangerous to abandon one’s self to the luxury of grief; it deprives one of courage, and even of the wish for recovery. Henri Frederic Amiel
Self-interest is but the survival of the animal in us. Humanity only begins for man with self-surrender. Henri Frederic Amiel