Lost Illusions

by Honoré de Balzac

Avarice, like love, has the gift of second sight, instinctively guessing at future contingencies, and hugging its presentiments.

unrecognized power is apt to avenge itself for lowly station by viewing the world from a lofty standpoint.

“Conscience, my dear fellow, is a stick which every one takes up to beat his neighbor and not for application to his own back.