I owe much to my friends; but, all things considered, it strikes me that I owe even more to my enemies. The real person springs life under a sting even better than under a caress.

The miser puts his gold pieces into a coffer; but as soon as the coffer is closed, it is as if it were empty.

Nothing excellent can be done without leisure.

One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.

What another would have done as well as you, do not do it. What another would have said as well as you, do not say it; what another would have written as well, do not write it. Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself - and thus make yourself indispensable.

Oh, would that my mind could let fall its dead ideas, as the tree does its withered leaves!

Sadness is a state of sin.