The superficiality of many is a result of deep fears. It takes spare time to think things out; it takes free time to mature. People in a hurry may not think well or mature well. The next best is a state of perpetual puerility.

...That genius is a rare exception (:) It's not true. Talent and genius have been wasted on enormous scale throughout our history; this is all I know for sure.

Somewhere between the Angels and the French lies the rest of humanity.

Our achievements speak for themselves. What we have to keep track of are our failures, discouragements and doubts.

There is probably nothing more sublime than discontent transmuted into a work of art, a scientific discovery, and so on.

Marriage has for women many equivalents of joining a mass movement. It offers them a new purpose in life, a new future and a new identity (a new name). The boredom of spinsters and of women who can no longer find joy and fulfillment in marriage stems from an awareness of a barren, spoiled life. By embracing a holy cause and dedicating their energies and substance to its advancement, they find a new life full of purpose and meaning.

Those who lack the capacity to achieve much in an atmosphere of freedom will clamor for power.