Every one rushes elsewhere and into the future, because no one wants to face one's own inner self.

Some men seem remarkable to the world in whom neither their wives nor their valets saw anything extraordinary. Few men have been admired by their servants.

Is it reasonable that even the arts should take advantage of and profit by our natural stupidity and feebleness of mind?

Saying is one thing and doing is another; we are to consider the sermon and the preacher distinctly and apart.

If my intentions were not to be read in my eyes and voice, I should not have survived so long without quarrels and without harm, seeing the indiscreet freedom with which I say, right or wrong, whatever comes into my head.

A man should not so much respect what he eats, as with whom he eats.

Kings and philosophers defecate, and so do ladies.