If a man really knew himself he would utterly despise the ignorant notions others might form on a subject in which he had such matchless opportunities for observation.

why shouldnt things be largely absurd, futile, and transitory? they are so, and we are so, and they and we go together.

Truth is a jewel which should not be painted over; but it may be set to advantage and shown in a good light.

Skepticism, like chastity, should not be relinquished too readily.

When a man's life is over, it remains true that he was one sort of man and not another. A man who understands himself under the form of eternity knows the quality that eternally belongs to him, and knows that he cannot wholly die, even if he would, for when the movement of his life is over, the truth of his life remains.

You and I possess manifold ideal bonds in the interests we share; but each of us has his poor body and his irremediable, incommunicable dreams.

For Shakespeare, in the matter of religion, the choice lay between Christianity and nothing. He chose nothing.