If all mankind were suddenly to practice honesty, many thousands of people would be sure to starve.

I am convinced we do not only love ourselves in others but hate ourselves in others too.

The writer who cannot sometimes throw away a thought about which another man would have written dissertations, without worry whether or not the reader will find it, will never become a great writer.

Man is to be found in reason, God in the passions.

It is almost everywhere the case that soon after it is begotten the greater part of human wisdom is laid to rest in repositories.

Reason now gazes above the realm of the dark but warm feelings as the Alpine peaks do above the clouds. They behold the sun more clearly and distinctly, but they are cold and unfruitful.

The highest level than can be reached by a mediocre but experienced mind is a talent for uncovering the weaknesses of those greater than itself.