For a man’s life would become intolerable, if he knew what was going to happen to him. He would be made aware of future evils, and would suffer their agonies in advance, while he would get no joy of present blessings since he would know how they would end. Ignorance is the necessary condition of human happiness, and it has to be admitted that on the whole mankind observes that condition well. We are almost entirely ignorant of ourselves; absolutely of others. In ignorance, we find our bliss; in illusions, our happiness.

The heart errs like the head; its errors are not any the less fatal, and we have more trouble getting free of them because of their sweetness.

The average man does not know what to do with this life, yet wants another one which will last forever.

There are very honest people who do not think that they have had a bargain unless they have cheated a merchant.

In art as in love, instinct is enough.

Lovers who love truly do not write down their happiness.

It is good to collect things, but it is better to go on walks.