The thing I fear most is fear.
There is no desire more natural than the desire of knowledge. (Il n'est desir plus naturel que le desir de connaissance)
Stupidity and wisdom meet in the same centre of sentiment and resolution, in the suffering of human accidents.
Learned we may be with another man's learning: we can only be wise with wisdom of our own.
Democritus and Heraclitus were two philosophers, of whom the first, finding the condition of man vain and ridiculous, never went out in public but with a mocking and laughing face; whereas Heraclitus,...
Certainly, if he still has himself, a man of understanding has lost nothing.
I quote others in order to better express my own self.
Riches like glory or health have no more beauty or pleasure than their possessor is pleased to lend them.
The greatest thing in the world is to know how to live to yourself.
There is more ado to interpret interpretations than to interpret things, and more books upon books than upon any other subject; we do nothing but comment upon one another. Every place swarms with comm...
The advantage of living is not measured by length, but by use; some men have lived long, and lived little; attend to it while you are in it. It lies in your will, not in the number of years, for you t...
No one should be subjected to force over things which belonged to him.
It is a disaster that wisdom forbids you to be satisfied with yourself and always sends you away dissatisfied and fearful, whereas stubbornness and foolhardiness fill their hosts with joy and assuranc...
The most profound joy has more of gravity than of gaiety in it.
I enjoy books as misers enjoy treasures, because I know I can enjoy them whenever I please.
The confidence in another man's virtue is no light evidence of a man's own, and God willingly favors such a confidence.
Why do people respect the package rather than the man?
The soul in which philosophy dwells should by its health make even the body healthy. It should make its tranquillity and gladness shine out from within; should form in its own mold the outward demeano...
Judgement can do without knowledge: but not knowledge without judgement.
The clearest sign of wisdom is continued cheerfulness.