The reasons that drive me to write are many and the most important are the most secret, I think. Perhaps most of all this: to put something out of death's reach.

Great minds tend toward banality. It is the noblest effort of individualism. But it implies a sort of modesty, which is so rare that it is scarcely found except in the greatest, or in beggars.

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

He who wants a rose must respect her thorn.

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

Nothing prevents happiness like the memory of happiness.

Every perfect action is accompanied by pleasure. By that you can tell what you ought to do.