Naivete in grownups is often charming; but when coupled with vanity it is indistinguishable from stupidity.

The pleasure we derive from doing favors is partly in the feeling it gives us that we are not altogether worthless. It is a pleasant surprise to ourselves.

Man's chief goal in life is still to become and stay human, and defend his achievements against the encroachment of nature.

There is probably an element of malice in our readiness to overestimate people - we are, as it were, laying up for ourselves the pleasure of later cutting them down to size.

It is compassion rather than the principle of justice which can guard us against being unjust to our fellow men.

Often, the thing we pursue most passionately is but a substitute for the one thing we really want and cannot have.

There are many who find a good alibi far more attractive than an achievement.