Man is always prey to his truths. Once he has admitted them, he cannot free himself from them.

There is so much stubborn hope in the human heart.

Culture: the cry of men in face of their destiny.

A craving for freedom and independence is generated only in a man still living on hope.

I make myself strict rules in order to correct my nature. But it is my nature that I finally obey.

...we rarely confide in those who are better than we. Rather, we are more inclined to flee their society. Most often, on the other hand, we confess to those who are like us and who share our weaknesses. Hence we don't want to improve ourselves and be bettered, for we should first have to be judged in default. We merely wish to be pitied and encouraged in the course we have chosen. In short, we should like, at the same time, to cease being guilty and yet not to make the effort of cleansing ourselves.

Je puis nier une chose sans me croire obligé de la salir ou de retirer aux autres le droit d'y croire.