The construction of the universe is certainly very much easier to explain than is that of the plant.

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.

The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.

There has never yet been a man in our history who led a life of ease whose name is worth remembering.

A nation will not count the sacrifice it makes, if it supposes it is engaged in a struggle for its fame, its influence and its existence.

I don't have acknowledged preferences of characters.

There are only two places in the world: over here and over there.

It was funny that you know someone for years but still discover something you never noticed before.

If you just take it down to bare facts, the reason for living is the reason you make it. I mean the brain was made to create.

Riches may not bring happiness, but neither does poverty.

A person who smiles in the face of adversity...probably has a scapegoat.

My mother and I are very close; I guess you would call us best friends.