To be sure, we have inherited abilities, but our development we owe to thousands of influences coming from the world around us from which we appropriate what we can and what is suitable to us.

To witness two lovers is a spectacle for the gods.

I hate every violent overthrow, because as much is destroyed as is gained by it.

There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity.

There are people who pay attention to the weaknesses of their friends; that is to no avail. I have always closely watched and profited from the strengths of my adversaries.

We can stand only a certain amount of unhappiness; anything beyond that annihilates us or passes us by, leaving us apathethetic.

All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is only to try to think them again.