The most valuable discoveries have found their origin in the most trivial accidents.

Nature has given man no better thing than shortness of life.

The only thing man knows instinctively is how to weep.

Most men are afraid of a bad name, but few fear their consciences.

Cats too, with what silent stealthiness, with what light steps do they creep up to a bird!

The depth of darkness to which you can descend and still live is an exact measure of the height to which you can aspire to reach.

There is in them a softer fire than the ruby, there is the brilliant purple of the amethyst, and the sea green of the emerald - all shining together in incredible union. Some by their splendor rival the colors of the painters, others the flame of burning sulphur or of fire quickened by oil.