Without books the development of civilization would have been impossible. They are the engines of change, windows on the world, "Lighthouses" as the poet said "erected in the sea of time." They are companions, teachers, magicians, bankers of the treasures of the mind, Books are humanity in print.

The little incidents and accidents of every day fill us with emotion, anxiety, annoyance, passion, as long as they are close to us, when they appear so big, so important, so serious; but as soon as they are borne down the restless stream of time they lose what significance they had; we think no more of them and soon forget them altogether. They were big only because they were near.

To desire immortality is to desire the eternal perpetuation of a great mistake

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

Man is the only animal who causes pain to others with no other object than wanting to do so.

A man can be himself only so long as he is alone.

Vulgar people take huge delight in the faults and follies of great men.