Henri Frédéric Amiel’s diary, 1874

I am still reading the “Origines du Christianisme” by Ernest Havet. I like the book and I dislike it. I like it for its independence and courage; I dislike it for…

The multitude, who already possess force, and even, according to the Republican view, right, have always been persuaded by the Cleons of the day that enlightenment,…

Among the peoples, in whom the social gifts are the strongest, the individual fears ridicule above all things, and ridicule is the certain result of originality. No…

Strange reminiscence! At the end of the terrace of La Treille, on the eastern side, as I looked down the slope, it seemed to me that I saw once more in imagination…

I have been reading the philosophical poems of Madame Ackermann. She has rendered in fine verse that sense of desolation which has been so often stirred in me by…

Rebellion against common sense is a piece of childishness of which I am quite capable. But it does not last long. I am soon brought back to the advantages and…

A day perfectly beautiful, luminous, limpid, brilliant. I passed the morning in the churchyard; the “Oasis” was delightful. Innumerable sensations, sweet and…

On waking it seemed to me that I was staring into the future with wide startled eyes. Is it indeed to me that these things apply. Incessant and growing humiliation,…

A long walk and conversation with——. We followed a high mountain path. Seated on the turf, and talking with open heart, our eyes wandered over the blue immensity…

A wonderful day! Never has the lake been bluer, or the landscape softer. It was enchanting. But tragedy is hidden under the eclogue; the serpent crawls under the…