Nothing is so silly as the expression of a man who is being complimented.

I can't expect others to share my virtues. It's good enough for me if they share my vices.

To know how to free oneself is nothing; the arduous thing is to know what to do with one's freedom.

The young people who come to me in the hope of hearing me utter a few memorable maxims are quite disappointed. Aphorisms are not my forte, I say nothing but banalities.... I listen to them and they go away delighted.

Whither should we aim if not towards God?

Too chaste a youth leads to a dissolute old age.

Understand that the only possession of any value is life.