Whatever we may say against collections, which present authors in a disjointed form, they nevertheless bring about many excellent results. We are not always so composed, so full of wisdom, that we are able to take in at once the whole scope of a work according to its merits. Do we not mark in a book passages which seem to have a direct reference to ourselves? Young people especially, who have failed in acquiring a complete cultivation of mind, are roused in a praiseworthy way by brilliant passages.

Normally, the sciences distance themselves from life and the return to it via a detour.

You must be either the servant or the master, the hammer or the anvil.

The coward only threatens when he is safe.

Everything that we encounter leaves traces behind. Everything contributes imperceptibly to our education

Cursed Mammon be, when he with treasures To restless action spurs our fate! Cursed when for soft, indulgent leisures, He lays for us the pillows straight.

Solitude is fine when you are at peace with yourself and have something definite to do.