Is it true that one travels in order to know mankind? It is easier to get to know other people at home, but abroad one gets to know oneself.

Genius differs from talent not by the amount of original thoughts, but by making the latter fertile and by positioning them properly, in other words, by integrating everything into a whole, whereas talent produces only fragments, no matter how beautiful.

Uneducated people are unfortunate in that they do grasp complex issues, educated people, on the other hand, often do not understand simplicity, which is a far greater misfortune.

The state has no religion for the simple reason that it has each and everyone.

The military and the clergy cause us much annoyance; the clergy and the military, they empty our wallets and rob our intelligence.

Grief, first take on shape! what is shapeless causes fear and torment but when the enemy materializes, half the victory is won.

When mundane, lowly activities are at stake, too much insight is detrimental — far-sightedness errs in immediate concerns.