When . . . in the course of all these thousands of years has man ever acted in accordance with his own interests?

...one may say anything about the history of the world - anything that might enter the most disordered imagination. The only thing one can't say is that it's rational.

The secret of man's being is not only to live but to have something to live for.

One must first learn to live oneself before one blames others.

I've always considered myself smarter than everyone around me, and sometimes, believe me, I've been ashamed of it. At the least, all my life I've looked away and never could look people straight in the eye.

Intelligence alone is not nearly enough when it comes to acting wisely.

And, indeed, I will at this point ask an idle question on my own account: which is better — cheap happiness or exalted sufferings? Well, which is better?