A refined soul is distressed to know that someone owes it thanks; a crude soul, to know that it owes someone thanks.

Today I love myself as I love my god: who could charge me with a sin today? I know only sins against my god; but who knows my god?

The lack of closeness among friends is a fault that cannot be reprimanded without becoming incurable.

The consequences of our actions take hold of us, quite indifferent to our claim that meanwhile we have 'improved.

The truth is ugly: we have art so as not to perish from the truth.

A man of genius is unbearable, unless he possesses at least two things besides: gratitude and purity.

Nothing has been purchased more dearly than the little bit of reason and sense of freedom which now constitutes our pride.