It is with epigrams as with other inventions; the best ones annoy us because we didn't think of them ourselves.

The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism.

One might call habit a moral friction: something that prevents the mind from gliding over things but connects it with them and makes it hard for it to free itself from them.

Erudition can produce foliage without bearing fruit.

There exists a species of transcendental ventriloquism by means of which men can be made to believe that something said on earth comes from Heaven.

Just as the performance of the vilest and most wicked deeds requires spirit and talent, so even the greatest demand a certain insensitivity which under other circumstances we would call stupidity.

If there were only turnips and potatoes in the world, someone would complain that plants grow the wrong way.

Many things about our bodies would not seem to us so filthy and obscene if we did not have the idea of nobility in our heads.

To read means to borrow; to create out of one s readings is paying off one's debts.

Once we know our weaknesses they cease to do us any harm.

He who understands the wise is wise already.

We’re fine.’ A few feet away, Aurum snarled quietly, which meant Nico was lying.

What is politics? Political system is equal to development politics plus political politics.

I can't imagine why you're so interested." He shook his head. "Interested? We're talking about you. I'm fascinated.

For comprehensive Earth action, an all-of-the-Earth representative democracy is required. That is, a global parliament.

If you tell me how you get your feeling of importance, I'll tell you what you are.

We demand from others only what we fail to give ourselves

When pain can't bless, heaven quits us in despair.

Nobody owes me anything. I am not at a disadvantage. I am equipped, empowered, and anointed.

Big ideas start as weird ideas.

Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In your soul are infinitely precious things that cannot be taken from you.