Great men are like eagles, and build their nest on some lofty solitude.

It is only in the microscope that our life looks so big.

Physics is unable to stand on its own feet, but needs a metaphysics on which to support itself, whatever fine airs it may assume towards the latter.

Ordinary people merely think how they shall 'spend' their time; a man of talent tries to 'use' it.

Pleasure is never as pleasant as we expected it to be and pain is always more painful. The pain in the world always outweighs the pleasure. If you don't believe it, compare the respective feelings of two animals, one of which is eating the other.

The tallest oak tree once was an acorn that any pig could have swallowed.

To find out your real opinion of someone, judge the impression you have when you first see a letter from them.