Dissipation is a form of self-sacrifice.

The savior who wants to turn men into angels is as much a hater of human nature as the totalitarian despot who wants to turn them into puppets.

The proselytizing fanatic strengthens his own faith by converting others. The creed whose legitimacy is most easily challenged is likely to develop the strongest proselytizing impulse.

Absolute power corrupts even when exercised for humane purposes. The benevolent despot who sees himself as a shepherd of the people still demands from others the submissiveness of sheep. The taint inherent in absolute power is not its inhumanity but its anti-humanity.

People in a hurry cannot think, cannot grow, nor can they decay. They are preserved in a state of perpetual puerility.

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

In running away from ourselves we either fall on our neighbor's shoulder or fly at his throat.