It is some fundamental certainty which a noble soul has about itself, something which is not to be sought, is not to be found, and perhaps, also, is not to be lost. The noble soul has reverence for itself.

There is an old illusion. It is called good and evil.

Thus I spoke, more and more softly; for I was afraid of my own thoughts and the thoughts behind my thoughts.

This woman is beautiful and clever: but how much cleverer she would have become if she were not beautiful!

I have not the capability to give you my loyalty, nor do I have the vanity to appear as if I did.

The vanity of others runs counter to our taste only when it runs counter to our vanity.

Early in the morning, at break of day, in all the freshness and dawn of one's strength, to read a book -I call that vicious!