What I understand by "philosopher": a terrible explosive in the presence of which everything is in danger.

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!

The grand style follows suit with all great passion. It disdains to please, it forgets to persuade. It commands. It wills.

One has been a poor spectator of life if one has not witnessed the hand - that kills from mercy.

I am a prelude to better players, O my brothers! An example! Follow my example!

To be moral, correct, and virtuous is to be obedient to an old established law and custom.

When a scholar of the old culture vows no longer to have anything to do with men who believe in progress, he is right. For the old culture has its greatness and goodness behind it, and an historical education forces one to admit that it can never again be fresh.