There is sense in hoping for recognition in a distant future only when we take it for granted that mankind will remain essentially unchanged, and that whatever is great is not for one age only but will be looked upon as great for all time.

One's own self is well hidden from one's own self; of all mines of treasure, one's own is the last to be dug up.

Do I advise you to love the neighbor? I suggest rather to escape from the neighbor and to love those who are the farthest away from you. Higher than the love for the neighbor is the love for the man who is distant and has still to come.

In order to acquire intellect one must need it. One loses it when it is no longer necessary.

Fanatics are picturesque, mankind would rather see gestures than listen to reasons.

Convictions are more dangerous foes of truth than lies.

I love something: and scarcely do I love it completely when the tyrant in me says: "I want that in sacrifice." This cruelty is in my entrails. Behold! I am evil.