The highest, most varied and lasting pleasures are those of the mind.

All truth passes through three stages. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is violently opposed. Third, it is accepted as being self-evident.

It is difficult to find happiness within oneself, but it is impossible to find it anywhere else.

The majority of men... are not capable of thinking, but only of believing, and... are not accessible to reason, but only to authority.

Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.

A man can be himself only so long as he is alone; and if he does not love solitude, he will not love freedom; for it is only when he is alone that he is really free.

Man is the only animal who causes pain to others with no other object than wanting to do so.

Genius and madness have something in common: both live in a world that is different from that which exists for everyone else.

A pessimist is an optimist in full possession of the facts.

Religions are like fireflies. They require darkness in order to shine.

Nature shows that with the growth of intelligence comes increased capacity for pain, and it is only with the highest degree of intelligence that suffering reaches its supreme point.

But goodness alone is never enough. A hard, cold wisdom is required for goodness to accomplish good. Goodness without wisdom always accomplishes evil.

How can I tell anyone that there has always lived within me a rusty sense of disgust-a dull, brackish water that I suspect is my soul?

You think embracing the longing while waiting for the right man is impossible? Well obviously you didn't get the memo.

I survived. (J'ai vecu.)

Fitness is a luxury when you are busy!

The creative person is overpowered, captive of and driven by a demon... They become our legendary heroes.

In my life, I find that in sobriety, I feel much more. And I have much more depth.

I got a bunch of people together to talk about doing a lot and decided that I really want to throw my hand in and do as much as I can.

It takes a while to really love yourself...

Nature is not a free lunch, but we treat it as a free lunch.