Certain defects are necessary for the existence of individuality.

Our mistakes and failures are always the first to strike us, and outweigh in our imagination what we have accomplished and attained.

How can one learn to know oneself? Never by introspection, rather by action.

Every solution of a problem is a new problem.

However often we turn to it [the Koran] at first disgusting us each time afresh, it soon attracts, astounds, and in the end enforces our reverence. . . . Its style, in accordance with its contents and aim is stern, grand, terrible - ever and anon truly sublime - Thus this book will go on exercising through all ages a most potent influence.

Just begin and the mind grows heated; continue, and the task will be completed!

An angel! Nonsense! Everybody so describes his mistress; and yet I find it impossible to tell you how perfect she is, or why she is so perfect: suffice it to say she has captivated all my senses.