The purpose of philosophers is to show people what is right under their noses.

Humility is not renunciation of pride but the substitution of one pride for another.

Our credulity is greatest concerning the things we know least about. And since we know least about ourselves, we are ready to believe all that is said about us. Hence the mysterious power of both flattery and calumny.

A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's business.

The hardest thing to cope with is not selfishness or vanity or deceitfulness, but sheer stupidity.

For many people, an excuse is better than an achievement because an achievement, no matter how great, leaves you having to prove yourself again in the future; but an excuse can last for life.

Add a few drops of venom to a half truth and you have an absolute truth.