there are very few who can think, but every man wants to have an opinion; and what remains but to take it ready-made from others, instead of forming opinions for himself?

Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame.

Sleep is the interest we have to pay on the capital which is called in at death; and the higher the rate of interest and the more regularly it is paid, the further the date of redemption is postponed.

Will power is to the mind like a strong blind man who carries on his shoulders a lame man who can see.

Truth that is naked is the most beautiful, and the simpler its expression the deeper is the impression it makes.

For, after all, the foundation of our whole nature, and, therefore, of our happiness, is our physique, and the most essential factor in happiness is health, and, next in importance after health, the ability to maintain ourselves in independence and freedom from care.

Boredom is just the reverse side of fascination: both depend on being outside rather than inside a situation, and one leads to the other.