To pace about, looking to obtain status, looking to attain 'importance' - I can think of nothing more ridiculous.

The proud person always wants to do the right thing, the great thing. But because he wants to do it in his own strength, he is fighting not with man, but with God.

Truth always rests with the minority, and the minority is always stronger than the majority, because the minority is generally formed by those who really have an opinion, while the strength of a majority is illusory, formed by the gangs who have no opinion - and who, therefore, in the next instant (when it is evident that the minority is the stronger) assume its opinion ... while Truth again reverts to a new minority.

Only the noble of heart are called to difficulty.

There is nothing with which every man is so afraid as getting to know how enormously much he is capable of doing and becoming.

To grumble about the world and its unhappiness is always easier than to beat one's breast and groan over oneself.

My melancholy is the most faithful sweetheart I have had.