The gilded sheath of pity sometimes covers the dagger of envy.

It is the powerful who know how to honour, it is their art, their domain for invention.

Mystical explanations are thought to be deep; the truth is that they are not even shallow.

People who wish to numb our caution in dealing with them by means of flattery are employing a dangerous expedient, like a sleeping draught, which, if it does not put us to sleep, keeps us all the more awake.

We attack not only to hurt someone, to defeat him, but perhaps also simply to become conscious of our own strength.

Strength is the morality of the man who stands out from the rest, and it is mine.

Marriage marks the end of many short follies - being one long stupidity.