The idea of demonstrating that this unknown something [God] exists, could scarcely suggest itself to Reason. For if God does not exist it would of course be impossible to prove it, and if he does exist it would be folly to attempt it.

I would rather be a swineherd, understood by the swine, than a poet misunderstood by men.

Most people live dejectedly in worldly joys or sorrows. They sit on the sidelines and do not join the dance.

There is nothing everyone is so afraid of as being told how vastly much he is capable of. You are capable of - do you want to know? - you are capable of living in poverty; you are capable of standing almost any kind of maltreatment, abuse, etc. But you do not wish to know about it, isn't that so? You would be furious with him who told you so, and only call that person your friend who bolsters you in saying: 'No, this I cannot bear, this is beyond my strength, etc.

The great trick with a woman is to get rid of her while she think's she's rid of you.

Personality is only ripe when a man has made the truth his own.

During the first period of a man's life the greatest danger is not to take the risk.