If content with himself and mankind, a man is never harsh or curt.

There are some centuries which - apart from everything else - in the art and other disciplines presume to remake everything because they know how to make nothing.

The commonplace expression that life is nothing but a play is verified above all in this: the world speaks absolutely consistently in one way and acts absolutely consistently in another.

Irresolute men are sometimes very persistent in their undertakings, because if they give up their designs they would have to make a second resolution.

Old age is the supreme evil, for it deprives man of all pleasures while allowing his appetites to remain, and it brings with it every possible sorrow. Yet men fear death and desire old age.

Freedom is the dream you dream While putting thought in chains again --

No human trait deserves less tolerance in everyday life, and gets less, than intolerance.