Solitude will be welcomed or endured or avoided, according as a man's personal value is large or small.

Authors may be divided into falling stars, planets, and fixed stars: the first have a momentary effect; the second have a much longer duration; but the third are unchangeable, possess their own light, and work for all time.

Consciousness is the mere surface of our minds, of which, as of the earth, we do not know the inside, but only the crust.

A reproach can only hurt if it hits the mark. Whoever knows that he does not deserve a reproach can treat it with contempt.

The beard, being a half-mask, should be forbidden by the police - It is, moreover, as a sexual symbol in the middle of the face, obscene: that is why it pleases women.

This is the case with many learned persons; they have read themselves stupid.

Every parting gives a foretaste of death, every reunion a hint of the resurrection.