Pity is the most pleasant feeling in those who have not much pride and have no prospect of great conquests; for them the easy prey - and that is what all who suffer are - is enchanting.

A subject for a great poet would be God's boredom after the seventh day of creation.

The golden fleece of self-sufficiency guards against cudgel- blows but not against pin-pricks.

Or shall I go out as a light does, not first blown out by the wind, but grown tired and weary of itself - a burnt out light? Or finally, shall I blow myself out, so as not to burn out?

I have forgotten my umbrella.

The greatest giver of alms is cowardice.

Sometimes we remain true to a cause simply because its opponents are unfailingly tasteless.