The phrases that men hear or repeat continually, end by becoming convictions and ossify the organs of intelligence.

Man would not be the finest creature in the world if he were not too fine for it.

The man with insight enough to admit his limitations comes nearest to perfection.

It seems to me that every phenomenon, every fact, itself is the really interesting object. Whoever explains it, or connects it with other events, usually only amuses himself or makes sport of us, as, for instance, the naturalist or historian. But a single action or event is interesting, not because it is explainable, but because it is true.

Mediocrity has no greater consolation than in the thought that genius is not immortal.

We eagerly get hold of a law that serves as a weapon to our passions.

Music is liquid architecture; Architecture is frozen music.