... that when you're buying books, you're optimistically thinking you're buying the time to read them. (Paraphrase of Schopenhauer)

Whatever folly men commit, be their shortcomings or their vices what they may, let us exercise forbearance; remember that when these faults appear in others it is our follies and vices that we behold.

A man of talent will strive for money and reputation; but the spring that moves genius to the production of its works is not as easy to name

Ignorance is degrading only when found in company with great riches.

Animals hear about death for the first time when they die.

Any foolish boy can stamp on a beetle, but all the professors in the world cannot make a beetle.

Opinion is like a pendulum and obeys the same law. If it goes past the centre of gravity on one side, it must go a like distance on the other; and it is only after a certain time that it finds the true point at which it can remain at rest.