There is no such thing as destiny. We ourselves shape our lives.
one who makes no mistakes makes nothing
We ourselve are the authors of almost all our woes and griefs, of which we so unreasonably complain.
I am writing My Life to laugh at myself, and I am succeeding.
Enjoy the present, bid defiance to the future, laugh at all those reasonable beings who exercise their reason to avoid the misfortunes which they fear, destroying at the same time the pleasure that they might enjoy.
As to the deceit perpetrated upon women, let it pass, for, when love is in the way, men and women as a general rule dupe each other.