All children are essentially criminal.

In order to get as much fame as one's father one has to much more able than he.

It is said that desire is a product of the will, but the converse is in fact true: will is a product of desire.

Wandering in a vast forest at night, I have only a faint light to guide me. A stranger appears and says to me: 'My friend, you should blow out your candle in order to find your way more clearly.' This stranger is a theologian.

Which is the greater merit, to enlighten the human race, which remains forever, or to save one's fatherland, which is perishable?

I feel, I think, I judge; therefore, a part of organized matter like me is capable of feeling, thinking, and judging.

I discuss with myself questions of politics, love, taste, or philosophy. I let my mind rove wantonly, give it free rein to followany idea, wise or mad that may present itself. My ideas are my harlots.