There's no one as transparent as the person who thinks he's devilish deep.

There is no object to life. To nature nothing matters but the continuation of the species.

Men have an extraordinarily erroneous opinion of their position in nature; and the error is ineradicable.

It is good to be on your guard against an Englishman who speaks French perfectly; he is very likely to be a card-sharper or an attache in the diplomatic service.

There are times when I look over the various parts of my character with perplexity. I recognize that I am made up of several persons and that the person that at the moment has the upper hand will inevitably give place to another. But which is the real one? All of them or none?

Illusions are like umbrellas - you no sooner get them than you lose them, and the loss always leaves a little painful wound.

The artist can within limits make what he likes of his life... It is only the artist, and maybe the criminal, who can make his own.