No two men see the world exactly alike, and different temperaments will apply in different ways a principle that they both acknowledge. The same man will, indeed, often see and judge the same things differently on different occasions: early convictions must give way to more mature ones. Nevertheless, may not the opinions that a man holds and expresses withstand all trials, if he only remains true to himself and others?

What we agree with leaves us inactive, but contradiction makes us productive.

I think that I am better than the people who are trying to reform me.

The flowers of life are but visionary. How many pass away and leave no trace behind! How few yield any fruit,--and the fruit itself, how rarely does it ripen! And yet there are flowers enough; and is it not strange, my friend, that we should suffer the little that does really ripen to rot, decay, and perish unenjoyed?

Sameness leaves us in peace but it is contradiction that makes us productive.

Beauty and Genius must be kept afar if one would avoid becoming their slave.

You shall abstain, shall abstain. That is the eternal song.