Humanity cherishes its swaddling clothes; but it shall not grow up unless it can free itself from them. Turning down his mother's breast does not make the weaned child ungrateful. ... Rise up naked, valiant; make the sheaths crack; push aside the stakes; to grow straight you need no more than the thrust of your sap and the call of the sun.

In order to judge properly, one must get away somewhat from what one is judging, after having loved it. This is true of countries, of persons, and of oneself.

Atheism. There is not a single exalting and emancipating influence that does not in turn become inhibitory.

Society knows perfectly well how to kill a man and has methods more subtle than death

Whither should we aim if not towards God?

When intelligent people pride themselves on not understanding, it is quite natural they should succeed better than fools.

Man is more interesting than men. God made him and not them in his image. Each one is more precious than all.