Were a man to consult only his reason, who would marry? For myself, I wouldn't marry, for fear of having a son who resembled me.

Nearly all men are slaves for the same reason that the Spartans assigned for the servitude of the Persians -- lack of power to pronounce the syllable, "No." To be able to utter that word and live alone, are the only means to preserve one's freedom and one's character.

People are governed by the head; a kind heart is of little value in chess.

Intelligent people make many mistakes because they cannot believe the world is really as foolish as it is.

To enjoy and give enjoyment, without injury to yourself or others; this is true morality.

Preoccupation with money is the great test of small natures, but only a small test of great ones.

When a man and a woman have an overwhelming passion for each other, it seems to me, in spite of such obstacles dividing them as parents or husband, that they belong to each other in the name of Nature, and are lovers by Divine right, in spite of human convention or the laws.