As long as any man exists, there is some need of him.

Other men are lenses through which we read our own minds. Each man seeks those of different quality from his own, and such as are good of their kind; that is, he seeks other men, and the rest.

The book of nature is the book of fate. She turns the gigantic pages, leaf after leaf never returning one.

The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.

We do not live an equal life, but one of contrasts and patchwork; now a little joy, then a sorrow, now a sin, then a generous or brave action.

My life should be unique; it should be an alms, a battle, a conquest, a medicine.

Truth is too simple for us: we do not like those who unmask our illusions.