I fear that, with our current veneration for the natural and the real, we have arrived at the opposite pole to all idealism, and have landed in the region of the waxworks.

Happiness is a fata morgana. the only way to not end up unhappy is to not long for happiness.

Digressions, objections, delight in mockery, carefree mistrust are signs of health.

A man who possesses genius is insufferable unless he also possesses at least two other things: gratitude and cleanliness.

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.

It is not in our hands to prevent our birth; but we can correct this mistake - for in some cases it is a mistake.

A woman may very well form a friendship with a man, but for this to endure, it must be assisted by a little physical antipathy.