I have heard myself accused of being an opponent, an enemy of mathematics, which no one can value more highly than I, for it accomplishes the very thing whose achievement has been denied me.

Against criticism a man can neither protest nor defend himself; he must act in spite of it, and then it will gradually yield to him.

Since you know me and my destiny only too well, you probably also know what attracts me to all unfortunate people.

To appreciate the noble is a gain which can never be torn from us.

To rule is easy, to govern difficult.

Whoever wishes to keep a secret must hide the fact that he possesses one.

Nothing shows a man's character more than what he laughs at.