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.

Passions are vices or virtues to their highest powers.

The dear good people don't know how long it takes to learn to read. I've been at it eighty years, and can't say yet that I've reached the goal.

Clever people are always the best conversations lexicon.

Every form correctly seen is beautiful

The world cannot do without great men, but great men are very troublesome to the world.

If you start to think of your physical and moral condition, you usually find that you are sick.