Marquis De Custine Quotes & Sayings

Grace is always natural, though that does not prevent its being often used to hide a lie. — Marquis De Custine

The circumstances of human society are too complicated to be submitted to the rigor of mathematical calculation. — Marquis De Custine

I do not believe I am exaggerating in affirming that the empire of Russia is a country whose inhabitants are the most miserable on earth, because they suffer at one and the same time the evils of barbarism and of civilization. — Marquis De Custine

Nations have always good reasons for being what they are, and the best of all is that they cannot be otherwise. — Marquis De Custine

In Russia, whatever be the appearance of things, violence and arbitrary rule is at the bottom of them all. Tyranny rendered calm by the influence of terror is the only kind of happiness which this government is able to afford its people. — Marquis De Custine

What annoyances are more painful than those of which we cannot complain? — Marquis De Custine

In Russian administration, minuteness does not exclude disorder. Much trouble is taken to attain unimportant ends, and those employed believe they can never do enough to show their zeal. The result is ... that having passed through one formality does not secure the stranger from another. — Marquis De Custine

The love of their country is with them only a mode of flattering its master; as soon as they think that master can no longer hear, they speak of everything with a frankness which is the more startling because those who listen to it become responsible. — Marquis De Custine