However closely people are attached to one another, their mutual horizon nonetheless includes all four compass directions, and nowand again they notice it.

Curiosity creeps into the houses of the unfortunate and the needy under the name of duty or of pity.

Those you cannot teach to fly, teach to fall faster.

Horrible experiences lead us to wonder whether the person who experiences them might not be something horrible.

Since men do not really respect anything unless it was established long ago and has developed slowly over time, those who want tokeep on living after their death must take worry not only about their future generations but even more about their past: that is why tyrants of all kinds (including tyrannical artists and politicians) like to do violence to history, so that it will appear as a preparation and stepladder to themselves.

Today I love myself as I love my god: who could charge me with a sin today? I know only sins against my god; but who knows my god?

Among the wealthy, generosity is often merely a kind of shyness.