Sympathy is the first condition of criticism.
Henri Frederic Amiel

Tears are the symbol of the inability of the soul to restrain its emotion and retain its self command.
Henri Frederic Amiel

Tell me what you feel in your room when the full moon is shining in upon you and your lamp is dying out, and I will tell you how old you are, and I shall know if you are happy.
Henri Frederic Amiel

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.
Henri Frederic Amiel

The best path through life is the highway.
Henri Frederic Amiel

The fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes.
Henri Frederic Amiel

The man who has no inner-life is a slave to his surroundings.
Henri Frederic Amiel

The man who insists upon seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides. Accept life, and you must accept regret.
Henri Frederic Amiel

The only substance properly so called is the soul.
Henri Frederic Amiel

The test of every religious, political, or educational system is the man that it forms.
Henri Frederic Amiel

There is no respect for others without humility in one's self.
Henri Frederic Amiel

Thought is a kind of opium; it can intoxicate us, while still broad awake; it can make transparent the mountains and everything that exists.
Henri Frederic Amiel

To do easily what is difficult for others is the mark of talent. To do what is impossible for talent is the mark of genius.
Henri Frederic Amiel

To know how to suggest is the great art of teaching. To attain it we must be able to guess what will interest; we must learn to read the childish soul as we might a piece of music. Then, by simply changing the key, we keep up the attraction and vary the song.
Henri Frederic Amiel

To live we must conquer incessantly, we must have the courage to be happy.
Henri Frederic Amiel

To marry unequally is to suffer equally.
Henri Frederic Amiel

To shun one's cross is to make it heavier.
Henri Frederic Amiel

True humility is contentment.
Henri Frederic Amiel

Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.
Henri Frederic Amiel

Uncertainty is the refuge of hope.
Henri Frederic Amiel