The world stands on absurdities, and without them perhaps nothing at all would happen.

Drowning men, it is said, cling to wisps of straw.

We are born dead, and we are becoming more and more contented with our condition. We are acquiring the taste for it.

Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love.

There is nothing more alluring to man than freedom of conscience, but neither is there anything more agonizing.

He was one of the numerous and varied legion of dullards, of half-animated abortions, conceited, half-educated coxcombs, who attach themselves to the idea most in fashion only to vulgarize it and who caricature every cause they serve, however sincerely.

Above all, don't lie to yourself.