We never live, but we hope to live; and as we are always arranging to be happy, it must be that we never are so.

Things have different qualities, and the soul different inclinations; for nothing is simple which is presented to the soul, and the soul never presents itself simply to any object. Hence it comes that we weep and laugh at the same thing.

You always admire what you really don't understand.

Ugly deeds are most estimable when hidden.

One must have deeper motives and judge everything accordingly, but go on talking like an ordinary person.

All our life passes in this way: we seek rest by struggling against certain obstacles, and once they are overcome, rest proves intolerable because of the boredom it produces.

You gave me health that I might serve you; and so often I failed to use my good health in your service. Now you send me sickness in order to correct me Grant that, having ignored the things of spirit when my body was vigorous, I may now enjoy spiritual sweetness while my body groans with pain.