Unattainable wishes are often "pious." This seems to indicate that only profane wishes are fulfilled.

Those who cannot remember clearly their own childhood are poor educators.

Since the well-known victory over the hare by the tortoise, the descendants of the tortoise think themselves miracles of speed.

Our greatest indulgence towards a man springs from our despair of him.

If there be a faith that can move mountains, it is faith in one's own power.

How happy are the pessimists! What joy is theirs when they have proved there is no joy.

The poor man wishes to conceal his poverty, and the rich man his wealth: the former fears lest he be despised, the latter lest he be plundered.