It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for something you are not.

Each thought becomes an anxiety in my brain. I am becoming the ugliest of all things: a busy man.

The difficulty comes from this, that Christianity (Christian orthodoxy) is exclusive and that belief in its truth excludes belief in any other truth. It does not absorb; it repulses.

Understanding is the beginning of approving.

Oh, would that my mind could let fall its dead ideas, as the tree does its withered leaves! And without too many regrets, if possible! Those from which the sap has withdrawn. But, good Lord, what beautiful colors!

Only those things are beautiful which are inspired by madness and written by reason.

Laws and rules of conduct are for the state of childhood; education is an emancipation.