The first rule for a good style is to have something to say; in fact, this in itself is almost enough.

It is the courage to make a clean breast of it in the face of every question that makes the philosopher. He must be like Sophocles' Oedipus, who, seeking enlightenment concerning his terrible fate, pursues his indefatigable inquiry even though he divines that appalling horror awaits him in the answer. But most of us carry with us the Jocasta in our hearts, who begs Oedipus, for God's sake, not to inquire further.

If children were brought into the world by an act of pure reason alone, would the human race continue to exist? Would not a man rather have so much sympathy with the coming generation as to spare it the burden of existence, or at any rate not take it upon himself to impose that burden upon it in cold blood?

A man must have grown old and lived long in order to see how short life is.

With people of limited ability modesty is merely honesty. But with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

To desire immortality for the individual is really the same as wanting to perpetuate an error forever.

On the path of actions, great heart is the chief recommendation; on that works, a great head.