The world always looks straights ahead; as for me, I turn my gaze inward, I fix it there and keep it busy. Everyone looks in front of him: as for me, I look inside me: I have no business but with myself; I continually observe myself, I take stock of myself, I taste myself. Others...they always go forward; as for me, I roll about in myself.

There are truths on this side of the Pyrenees which are falsehoods on the other

I look upon the too good opinion that man has of himself, as the nursing mother of all false opinions, both public and private.

I consider myself an average man, except in the fact that I consider myself an average man.

The great and glorious masterpiece of humanity is to know how to live with a purpose.

Pride dwells in the thought; the tongue can have but a very little share in it.

This very Rome that we behold deserves our love ...: the only common and universal city.