The wise man is he who constantly wonders afresh.

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.

One should want only one thing and want it constantly. Then one is sure of getting it. But I desire everything, and consequently get nothing.

The loveliest creations of men are persistently painful. What would be the description of happiness? Nothing, except what prepares and then what destroys it.

Fear of ridicule begets the worst cowardice.

What I dislike least in my former self are the moments of prayer.

One is always wrong to open a conversation with the devil, for, however he goes about it, he always insists upon having the last word.