With deep men, as with deep wells, it takes a long time for anything that falls into them to hit bottom. Onlookers, who almost never wait long enough, readily suppose that such men are callous and unresponsive--or even boring.

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

Belief in form, but disbelief in content - that's what makes an aphorism charming.

It is not your sin - it is your moderation that cries to heaven; your very sparingness in sin cries to heaven!

At heart I am a warrior.

Behold! I am weary of my wisdom, like the bee that has gathered too much honey; I need hands outstretched to take it from me. I wish to spread it and bestow it, until the wise have once more become joyous in their folly, and the poor happy in their riches.

If thinking is your fate, revere this fate with divine honour and sacrifice to it the best, the most beloved