Some people appear to be more meager in talent than they are, just because the tasks they set themselves are always too great.

We must repay goodness and wickedness: but why exactly to the person who has done us a good or a wicked turn?

All philosophy is a form of confession.

In the end one only experiences oneself.

Whether in conversation we generally agree or disagree with others is largely a matter of habit: the one tendency makes as much sense as the other.

THE SLOW ARROW OF BEAUTY. The noblest kind of beauty is that which does not transport us suddenly, which does not make stormy and intoxicating impressions such a kind easily arouses disgust but that which slowly filters into our minds.

There is nothing for which men ask to be paid dearer than for humiliation.