Patriotism in its simplest, clearest, and most indubitable meaning is nothing but an instrument for the attainment of the government's ambitious and mercenary aims, and a renunciation of human dignity, common sense, and conscience by the governed, and a slavish submission to those who hold power. That is what is really preached wherever patriotism is championed. Patriotism is slavery.

It's too easy to criticize a man when he's out of favour, and to make him shoulder the blame for everybody else's mistakes.

Three things are needed to educate the peasantry: schools, schools, and schools.

When you love someone, you love the person as they are, and not as you'd like them to be.

One must be cunning and wicked in this world.

Without the support from religion--remember, we talked about it--no father, using only his own resources, would be able to bring up a child.

The meaning of life consists in the love and service of God.