Religions are like fireflies. They require darkness in order to shine.

The greatest wisdom is to make the enjoyment of the present the supreme object of life; because that is the only reality, all else being merely the play of thought. On the other hand, such a course might just as well be called the greatest folly: for that which in the next moment exists no more, and vanishes utterly, like a dream, can never be worth a serious effort.

Talent is able to achieve what is beyond other people's capacity to achieve, yet not what is beyond their capacity of apprehension; therefore it at once finds its appreciators. The achievement of genius, on the other hand, transcends not only others' capacity of achievement, but also their capacity of apprehension; therefore they do not become immediately aware of it. Talent is like the marksman who hits a target which others cannot reach; genius is like the marksman who hits a target, as far as which others cannot even see.

The word of man is the most durable of all material.

It is with trifles, and when he is off guard, that a man best reveals his character.

Genius and madness have something in common: both live in a world that is different from that which exists for everyone else.

Materialism is the philosophy of the subject who forgets to take account of himself.