"I call "crystallization" that action of the mind that discovers fresh perfections in its beloved at every turn of events."

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“It is better to have a prosaic husband and to take a romantic lover.”

“Centro Stendhaliano di Milano Digital version of Stendhal's shoulder-notes on his own books.”

“The great majority of men, especially in France, both desire and possess a fashionable woman, much in the way one might own a fine horse — as a luxury befitting a young man.”

“In love, unlike most other passions, the recollection of what you have had and lost is always better than what you can hope for in the future.”

“Stendhal's works: text, concordances and frequency list”

“In matters of sentiment, the public has very crude ideas; and the most shocking fault of women is that they make the public the supreme judge of their lives.”

Resonant Thoughts

"And yes, I’ll admit, I am jealous. I’m jealous of every minute you spend with him, of every concerned expression you send his way, of every tear shed, of every glance, every touch, and every thought. …"

— Colleen Houck

Literature1969

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"The President-elect has outlined a clear vision to transform our country’s infrastructure, accelerate economic growth and productivity, and create good paying jobs across the country. I am honored to …"

— Elaine Chao

Music1953

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"Time matters. God will hold us accountable for the way we use it. All of us who call ourselves Christians share the same vocation to love God first and above all things; and to love our neighbor as ou…"

— Charles J. Chaput

Politics1944

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"Herman Melville is a god. … I cherish what he did. He was a genius. Wrote Moby-Dick. Wrote Pierre. Wrote The Confidence-Man, wrote Billy Budd. … Oh, yes. Look at him. … Scares the bejesus out of peopl…"

— Maurice Sendak

Literature1928–2012

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