One should adpot only those situations in which one is in no need of sham virtues, but rather, like the tight-rope dancer on his tight rope, in which one must either fall or stand--or escape.

Every profound spirit needs a mask: even more, around every profound spirit a mask is continually growing.

If all alms were given only from pity, all beggars would have starved long ago.

Triumph depends on a roll of Fate's dice; the ultimate prize is a place in Heaven.

Phlegmatic natures can be inspired to enthusiasm only by being made into fanatics.

I need solitude, which is to say, recovery, return to my self, the breath of a free, light, playful air.

To the mediocre, mediocrity is a form of happiness.