Mysterious in the light of day, nature retains her veil, despite our clamours: That which she does not willingly display cannot be wrenched from her with levers, screws and hammers.

Rash, inexperienced youth holds itself a chosen instrument, and allows itself unbounded license.

He who does not think much of himself is much more esteemed than he imagines.

There is a politeness of the heart; this is closely allied to love.

Daring ideas are like chessmen moved forward; they may be beaten, but they may start a winning game.

The world is for thousands a freak show; the images flicker past and vanish; the impressions remain flat and unconnected in the soul. Thus they are easily led by the opinions of others, are content to let their impressions be shuffled and rearranged and evaluated differently.

Habit is the most imperious of all masters.