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?

You have no control over the hand that life deals you, but how you play that hand is entirely up to you.

Whatever you do, trample down abuses, and love those who love you. Different translation: Whatever you do, crush the infamous thing superstition, and love those who love you.

She blushed and so did he. She greeted him in a faltering voice, and he spoke to her without knowing what he was saying.

Those who are absent, by its means become present; it [mail] is the consolation of life.

Happiness is not the portion of man.

The greatest consolation in life is to say what one thinks.