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.

It occurs to me that artists go forward by going backward, something which I have nothing against intrinsically when it is a reproduced retreat - as is the case with the better artists.

Most people rush after pleasure so fast that they rush right past it.

To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. Not to dare is to lose oneself.

My melancholy is the most faithful sweetheart I have had.

During the first period of our lives the greatest danger is not to take the risk. When once the risk has been taken, then the greatest danger is to risk too much. By not risking at first one turns aside and serves trivialities; in the second case, by risking too much, one turns aside to the fantastic and perhaps to presumption.

The wisdom of the years is confusing. Only the wisdom of eternity is edifying.