"But reason always cuts a poor figure beside sentiment; the one being essentially restricted, like everything that is positive, while the other is infinite"

In this quote, Honore de Balzac is highlighting the contrast in between factor and belief. He recommends that reason is minimal and confined, while sentiment is boundless and limitless. According to Balzac, reason is like a poor figure compared to belief, which is represented as a more powerful and all-encompassing force. He implies that reason is limited by its very nature, as it is based on facts and logic, while belief is devoid of such restrictions. Balzac's words suggest that belief is a more desirable quality, as it permits a much deeper and more extensive understanding of the world, beyond the limitations of factor.