If I am not pleased with myself, but should wish to be other than I am, why should I think highly of the influences which have made me what I am?

The highest courage is to dare to appear to be what one is

We are more disturbed by a calamity which threatens us than by one which has befallen us.

Leave each one his touch of folly; it helps to lighten life's burden which, if he could see himself as he is, might be too heavy to carry.

Our prejudices are like physical infirmities — we cannot do what they prevent us from doing.

If all were gentle and contented as sheep, all would be as feeble and helpless.

Contradiction is the salt which keeps truth from corruption