Do not talk about giftedness, inborn talents! One can assume great men of all kinds who were very little gifted. They acquired greatness, became “geniuses” (as we put it), through qualities the lack of which no one who knew what they were would boast of: they all possessed that seriousness of the efficient workman which first learns to construct the parts properly before it ventures to fashion a great whole; they allowed themselves time for it, because they took more pleasure in making the little, secondary things well than in the effect of a dazzling whole.

He who knows not how to plant his will in things at least endows them with some meaning: that is to say, he believes that a will is already present in them (A principle of faith.)

Christianity is religion for the executioner.

When one thinks profusely and cleverly, not only his face but his body too takes on a clever appearance.

Nothing ever succeeds which exuberant spirits have not helped to produce.

There is no pre-established harmony between the furtherance of truth and the well-being of mankind.

It is however a disgrace to pray! Not for all, but for you, and me, and whoever has his a conscience.