How pleasant it is for a father to sit at his child's board. It is like an aged man reclining under the shadow of an oak which he has planted.

Virtuous men alone possess friends.

As long as people believe in absurdities they will continue to commit atrocities.

I never approved either the errors of his book, or the trivial truths he so vigorously laid down. I have, however, stoutly taken his side when absurd men have condemned him for these same truths.

I have been a hundred times on the point of killing myself, but still was fond of life. This ridiculous weakness is perhaps one of our worst instincts. What can be more absurd than choosing to carry a burden that one really wants to throw to the ground? To detest, and yet to strive to preserve our existence? To caress the serpent that devours us, and hug him close to our bosoms till he has gnawed into our hearts?

The safest course is to do nothing against one's conscience. With this secret, we can enjoy life and have no fear from death.

Pleasantry is never good on serious points, because it always regards subjects in that point of view in which it is not the purpose to consider them.