There are three stages in the revelation of truth. The first is to be ridiculed, the second is to be resisted and the third is to be considered self-evident.

Imagination is strong in a man when that particular function of the brain which enables him to observe is roused to activity without any necessary excitement of the sense. Accordingly, we find that imagination is active just in proportion as our sense are not excited by external objects. A long period of solitude, whether in prison or in a sick room; quiet, twilight, darkness-these are the things that promote its activity; and under their influence it comes into play of itself.

We can regard our life as a uselessly disturbing episode in the blissful repose of nothingness.

The brain may be regarded as a kind of parasite of the organism, a pensioner, as it were, who dwells with the body.

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

Apart from man, no being wonders at its own experience.

A pessimist is an optimist in full possession of the facts.