Success is the most natural thing in the world. The person who does not succeed has placed himself in opposition to the laws of the Universe.

The man who is anybody and who does anything is surely going to be criticized, vilified, and misunderstood. This is a part of the penalty for greatness, and every great man understands it; and understands, too, that it is no proof of greatness. The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure contumely without resentment.

Those who create beauty are also they who possess it.

No man should dogmatize except on the subject of theology. Here he can take his stand, and by throwing the burden of proof on the opposition, he is invincible. We have to die to find out whether he is right.

The more one knows, the more one simplifies.

The poor and ignorant will continue to lie and steal as long as the rich and educated show them how.

Martyrs and persecutors are the same type of man. As to which is the persecutor and which the martyr, this is only a question of transient power.