True eloquence makes light of eloquence, true morality makes light of morality; that is to say, the morality of the judgment, which has no rules, makes light of the morality of the intellect.... To make light of philosophy is to be a true philosopher.

Reason is the slow and torturous method by which those who do not know the truth discover it

One must know oneself. If this does not serve to discover truth, it at least serves as a rule of life and there is nothing better.

Vanity is so secure in the heart of man that everyone wants to be admired: even I who write this, and you who read this.

Curiosity is only vanity. Most frequently we wish not to know, but to talk. We would not take a sea voyage for the sole pleasure of seeing without hope of ever telling.

Ugly deeds are most estimable when hidden.

Man is but a reed, the most feeble thing in nature, but he is a thinking reed.