Young people love what is interesting and odd, no matter how true or false it is. More mature minds love what is interesting and odd about truth. Fully mature intellects, finally, love truth, even when it appears plain and simple, boring to the ordinary person; for they have noticed that truth tends to reveal its highest wisdom in the guise of simplicity.

We love life, not because we are used to living but because we are used to loving.

An educator never says what he himself thinks, but only that which he thinks it is good for those whom he is educating to hear.

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.

We feign pity when we want to demonstrate our ascendancy over feelings of hostility: but usually in vain. Whenever we notice this,there is an accompanying surge in those hostile sensations.

One ought to hold on to one's heart; for if one lets it go, one soon loses control of the head too.

Even the pluckiest among us has but seldom the courage of what he really knows.