Whatever a person may pray for, that person prays for a miracle. Every prayer comes down to this - Almighty God, grant that two times two not equal four.

What's terrible is that there's nothing terrible, that the very essence of life is petty, uninteresting, and degradingly trite.

Whatever man prays for, he prays for a miracle. Every prayer reduces itself.

He was the soul of politeness to everyone -- to some with a hint of aversion, to others with a hint of respect.

Oh youth, youth! You don't worry about anything; you seem to possess all the treasures of the universe--even sorrow gives you pleasure, even grief suits you.... And perhaps the whole secret of your charm lies not in your ability to do everything, but in your ability to think that you will do everything.

Everyone needs help from everyone else.

To desire and expect nothing for oneself and to have profound sympathy for others is genuine holiness.