Wisdom consists in rising superior both to madness and to common sense, and is lending oneself to the universal illusion without becoming its dupe.

The philosopher aspires to explain away all mysteries, to dissolve them into light. Mystery on the other hand is demanded and pursued by the religious instinct; mystery constitutes the essence of worship, the power of proselytism.

Women wish to be loved without a why or a wherefore; not because they are pretty, or good, or well-bred, or graceful, or intelligent, but because they are themselves.

The immense majority of our species are candidates for humanity, and nothing more.

What governs men is the fear of truth.

Kindness is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us.

Every situation is an equilibrium of forces; every life is a struggle between opposing forces working within the limits of a certain equilibrium