Men best show their character in trifles, where they are not on their guard. It is in the simplest habits, that we often see the boundless egotism which pays no regard to the feelings of others and denies nothing to itself.

The problem with Germans is that they look in the clouds for what lies at their feet.

Reason is feminine in nature; it can only give after it has received.

Mostly the loss teaches us only about the value of things.

How is it possible that suffering that is neither my own nor of my concern should immediately affect me as though it were my own, and with such force that is moves me to action?

universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality.

The present is the only reality and the only certainty.