The degree of a nation’s civilization can be seen in the way it treats its prisoners

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.

But what can a decent man speak of with most pleasure? Answer: Of himself. Well, so I will talk about myself.

Above all, avoid lies, all lies, especially the lie to yourself. Keep watch on your own lie and examine it every hour, every minute. And avoid contempt, both of others and of yourself: what seems bad to you in yourself is purified by the very fact that you have noticed it in yourself. And avoid fear, though fear is simply the consequence of every lie. Never be frightened at your own faintheartedness in attaining love, and meanwhile do not even be very frightened by your own bad acts.

Until you have become really, in actual fact, as brother to everyone, brotherhood will not come to pass.

Happiness lies not in happiness but only in the attempt to achieve it.

If there were no God, he would have to be invented.