The contradictions the mind comes up against, these are the only realities, the criterion of the real. There is no contradiction in what is imaginary. Contradiction is the test of necessity.

Those who love a cause are those who love the life which has to be led in order to serve it.

If someone does me injury I must desire that this injury shall not degrade me. I must desire this out of love for him who inflicts it, in order that he may not really have done evil.

A doctrine serves no purpose in itself, but it is indispensable to have one if only to avoid being deceived by false doctrines.

Beauty always promises, but never gives anything.

How many people have been thus led, through lack of self-confidence, to stifle their most justified doubts?

The sea is not less beautiful in our eyes because we know that sometimes ships are wrecked by it.