It is not so much the example of others we imitate as the reflection of ourselves in their eyes and the echo of ourselves in their words.

...in the shaping of a life, chance and the ability to respond to chance are everything.

The act of self-denial seems to confer on us the right to be harsh and merciless toward others.

We feel free when we escape - even if it be but from the frying pan to the fire.

There can be no freedom without freedom to fail.

Our frustration is greater when we have much and want more than when we have nothing and want some. We are less dissatisfied when we lack many things than when we seem to lack but one thing.

Self-contempt, however vague, sharpens our eyes for the imperfections of others. We usually strive to reveal in others the blemishes we hide in ourselves.