When you take a man as he is, you make him worse. When you take a man as he can be, you make him better.

I don't know a greater advantage, than to appreciate the worth of an enemy.

To me the external existence of my soul is proved from my idea of activity. If I work incessantly until my death, nature will give me another form of existence when the present can no longer sustain my spirit.

And here, poor fool, with all my lore I stand no wiser than before.

As our inclinations, so our opinions.

Every author in some way portrays himself in his works, even if it be against his will.

Give me those days with heart in riot, The depths of bliss that touched on pain, The force of hate, and love's disquiet- Ah, give me back my youth again!