Few look for truth; many prowl about for a reputation of profundity by arrogantly challenging whichever arguments are the best.

I desire to live in peace and to continue the life I have begun under the motto 'to live well you must live unseen

The reading of all good books is indeed like a conversation with the noblest men of past centuries who were the authors of them, nay a carefully studied conversation, in which they reveal to us none but the best of their thoughts.

The senses deceive from time to time, and it is prudent never to trust wholly those who have deceived us even once.

Everybody thinks himself so well supplied with common sense that even those most difficult to please. . . never desire more of it than they already have.

The only secure knowledge is that I exist.

It's the familiar love-hate syndrome of seduction: "I don't really care what it is I say, I care only that you like it."