There is nothing in the world more shameful than establishing one's self on lies and fables.

Man knows himself only insofar as he knows the world, becoming aware of it if only within himself, and of himself self only within it. Each new subject, well observed, opens up within us a new organ of thought.

If in the infinite you want to stride, Just walk in the finite to every side.

We often feel that we lack something, and seem to see that very quality in someone else, promptly attributing all our own qualities to him too, and a kind of ideal contentment as well. And so the happy mortal is a model of complete perfection--which we have ourselves created.

Writing is busy idleness.

I make presents to the mother but think of the daughter.

Unlimited activity, of whatever kind, must end in bankruptcy.