And obstinacy is the sister of constancy, at least in vigour and stability.

Petty vexations may at times be petty, but still they are vexations. The smallest and most inconsiderable annoyances are the most piercing. As small letters weary the eye most, so the smallest affairs disturb us most.

A straight oar looks bent in the water. It matters not merely that we see a thing, but how we see it.

There is no so wretched and coarse a soul wherein some particular faculty is not seen to shine.

We have no participation in Being, because all human nature is ever midway between being born and dying, giving off only a vague image and shadow of itself, and a weak and uncertain opinion. And if you chance to fix your thoughts on trying to grasp its essence, it would be neither more nor less than if your tried to clutch water.

The beautiful souls are they that are universal, open, and ready for all things.

No-one is exempt from speaking nonsense – the only misfortune is to do it solemnly.