I let everyone follow his own bent, that I may be free to follow mine.

If you want a wise answer, ask a reasonable question.

We are the slaves of objects around us, and appear little or important according as these contract or give us room to expand.

The thinker makes a great mistake when he asks after cause and effect. They both together make up the indivisible phenomenon.

One can be instructed in society, one is inspired only in solitude.

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.

So long as you live and work, you will be misunderstood; to that you must resign yourself once and for all. Be silent!