A general curiosity about the unknown sparked by the multicultural milieu in which I spent my formative years. There was a lot of unknown back then, too. I dare say it was easier to be an explorer then.

Chances rule men and not men chances.

Unless a variety of opinions are laid before us, we have no opportunity of selection, but are bound of necessity to adopt the particular view which may have been brought forward.

Those who are skilled in archery bend their bow only when they are preparing to use it; when they do not require it, they allow it to remain unbent, for otherwise it would remain unserviceable when the time for using it arrived. So it is with man. If he were to devote himself unceasingly to a dull round of business, without breaking the monotony by cheerful amusements, he would fall imperceptibly into idiocy, or be struck by paralysis

I never yet feared those men who set a place apart in the middle of their cities where they gather to cheat one another and swear oaths which they break.

He is the best man who, when making his plans, fears and reflects on everything that can happen to him, but in the moment of action is bold.

When life is so burdensome death has become a sought after refuge.