We live amid surfaces, and the true art of life is to skate well on them

But a compassion for that which is not and cannot be useful and lovely, is degrading and futile.

Be lord of a day, through wisdom and justice, and you can put up your history books.

Most of the great results of history are brought about by discreditable means.

Many a profound genius, I suppose, who fills the world with fame of his exploding renowned errors, is yet everyday posed and baffled by trivial questions at his own supper table.

I have just been conversing with one man, to whom no weight of adverse experience will make it for a moment appear impossible that thousands of human beings might exercise towards each other the grandest and simplest sentiments, as well as a knot of friends, or a pair of lovers.

When believers and unbelievers live in the same manner - I distrust the religion.