So far there has been no philosopher in whose hands philosophy has not grown into an apology for knowledge; on this point, at least, every one is an optimist, that the greatest usefulness must be ascribed to knowledge. They are all tyrannized over by logic, and this is optimism in its essence.

The surest sign of the estrangement of the opinions of two persons is when they both say something ironical to each other and neither of them feels the irony.

The greatest events-they are not our loudest but our stillest hours.

We are doubly willing to jump into the water after some one who has fallen in, if there are people present who have not the courage to do so.

If you are considering marriage, ask yourself one question: Will I still enjoy talking with her when I'm old?

As an artist one has no home in Europe except in Paris.

But thus do I counsel you, my friends: distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful! Distrust all those who talk much of their justice!