No one writes anything worth writing, unless he writes entirely for the sake of his subject.

As the biggest library if it is in disorder is not as useful as a small but well-arranged one, so you may accumulate a vast amount of knowledge but it will be of far less value than a much smaller amount if you have not thought it over for yourself.

We seldom think of what we have but always of what we lack. Therefore, rather than grateful, we are bitter.

Want and boredom are indeed the twin poles of human life.

Honor means that a man is not exceptional; fame, that he is.

The greatest intellectual capacities are only found in connection with a vehement and passionate will.

Indeed, intolerance is essential only to monotheism; an only God is by nature a jealous God who will not allow another to live. On the other hand, polytheistic gods are naturally tolerant, they live and let live.