A very small matter, when all is said; only a fool would be concerned about it.

Our true passions are selfish.

I think being condemned to death is the only real distinction," said Mathilde. "It is the only thing which cannot be bought.

Why not make an end of it all?... My life is a succession of griefs and bitter feelings.... What is death?... A very small matter,when all is said; only a fool would be concerned about it.

The first virtue of a young man today - that is, for the next fifty years perhaps, as long as we live in fear, and religion has regained its powers - is to be incapable of enthusiasm and not to have much in the way of brains.

The only unhappiness is a life of boredom.

Logic is neither an art nor a science but a dodge.