There is no doubt that life is given us, not to be enjoyed, but to be overcome; to be got over.

Almost all of our sorrows spring out of our relations with other people.

When you look back on your life, it looks as though it were a plot, but when you are into it, it's a mess: just one surprise after another. Then, later, you see it was perfect.

Noise is the most impertinent of all forms of interruption. It is not only an interruption, but also a disruption of thought.

Religions are like fireflies. They require darkness in order to shine.

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

A happy life is impos­si­ble; the best that a man can attain is a heroic life.