When I consider the narrow limits within which our active and inquiring faculties are confined; when I see how all our energies are wasted in providing for mere necessities, which again have no further end than to prolong a wretched existence; and then that all our satisfaction concerning certain subjects of investigation ends in nothing better than a passive resignation... when I consider all this... I am silent.

They teach in academies far too many things, and far too much that is useless.

Mastery passes often for egotism.

The biggest problem with every art is by the use of appearance to create a loftier reality.

All the knowledge I possess everyone else can acquire, but my heart is all my own.

If society gives up the right to impose the death penalty, then self-help will appear again and personal vendettas will be around the corner.

Publishers are all cohorts of the devil; there must be a special hell for them somewhere.