People are always talking about originality; but what do they mean? As soon as we are born, the world begins to work upon us; and this goes on to the end. And after all, what can we call our own, except energy, strength, and will? If I could give an account of all that I owe to great predecessors and contemporaries, there would be but a small balance in my favor.

Modern poets add a lot of water to their ink.

One never learns to understand truly anything but what one loves.

Names are but noise and smoke, Obscuring heavenly light.

I do not know myself, and God forbid that I should.

One says a lot in vain, refusing; The other mainly hears the "No."

It is better for you to suffer an injustice than for the world to be without law. Therefore, let everyone submit to the law.