A man must learn to endure patiently what he cannot avoid conveniently.

I do not correct my first imaginings by my second--well, yes, perhaps a word or so, but only to vary, not to delete. I want to represent the course of my humors and I want people to see each part at its birth.

I write to keep from going mad from the contradictions I find among mankind - and to work some of those contradictions out for myself.

We are more solicitous that men speak of us, than how they speak.

Whoever will be cured of ignorance, let him confess it.

Every one is well or ill at ease, according as he finds himself! not he whom the world believes, but he who believes himself to be so, is content; and in him alone belief gives itself being and reality

Wine is the benevolent god, who gives back gaiety to men and restores youth to the old.