Why does man not see things? He is himself standing in the way: he conceals things.

You say a good cause justifies any war; but I say a good war justifies any cause.

Fathers and sons are much more considerate of one another than mothers and daughters.

It is not enough to prove something, one also has to seduce or elevate people to it. That is why the man of knowledge should learns how to speak his wisdom: and often in such a way that it sounds like folly!

We praise or blame as one or the other affords more opportunity for exhibiting our power of judgement.

one does not only wish to be understood when one writes; one wishes just as surely not to be understood.

If we lacked curiosity, we should do less for the good of our neighbor. But, under the name of duty or pity, curiosity steals into the home of the unhappy and the needy. Perhaps even in the famous mother-love there is a good deal of curiosity.