The most perfect ape cannot draw an ape; only man can do that; but, likewise, only man regards the ability to do this as a sign of superiority.

Every condition of the soul has its own sign and expression...So you will see how hard it is to seem original without being so.

If all else fails, the character of a man can be recognized by nothing so surely as by a jest which he takes badly.

With prophecies the commentator is often a more important man than the prophet.

The construction of the universe is certainly very much easier to explain than is that of the plant.

To write brashly about some things, it is almost necessary not to know much about them.

Diogenes, filthily attired, paced across the splendid carpets in Plato's dwelling. Thus, said he, do I trample on the pride of Plato. Yes, Plato replied, but only with another kind of pride.