At the very moment when someone is beginning to take philosophy seriously, the whole world believes the opposite.

The errors of great men are venerable because they are more fruitful than the truths of little men.

Books for general reading always smell bad; the odor of common people hangs around them.

One must separate from anything that forces one to repeat No again and again.

Strong hope is a much greater stimulant of life than any single realised joy could be.

Danger alone acquaints us with our own resources, our virtues, our armor and weapons, our spirit, and forces us to be strong.

What does it matter whether I am shown to be right! I am right too much!--And he who laughs best today will also laugh last.