Marie Anne de Vichy-Chamrond, marquise du Deffand Quotes

The first step is the hardest.

Let us strive to improve ourselves, for we cannot remain stationary; one either progresses or retrogrades.

Rules of society are nothing; one's conscience is the umpire.

I hear nothings, I speak nothings, I take interest in nothing and from nothing to nothing I travel gently down the dull way which leads to becoming nothing.

Ah! I shall repeat it endlessly, the only misfortune is to be born!

Heed the still small voice that so seldom leads us wrong, and never into folly.

. . . everything seems insupportable to me. This may very well be because I am insupportable myself.

Do I believe in ghosts? No, but I'm afraid of them.

[On the legend that after being beheaded St. Denis walked six miles with his head in his hands:] It is only the first step that is difficult.

I love nothing and that is the true cause of my ennui.

God is not more incomprehensible than you; but if he is not more just, it is hardly worth while beIieving in him.

Faith is a devout belief in what one does not understand.

Impromptu thoughts are mental wild-flowers.