The world is a body common to all men, changes to it bring about a change in the souls of all men who are turned towards that part of it at that moment.

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.

Badmouthing things and other people is another way to appear smarter in front of the many.It's sad that some people use this dirty trick just to increase their self worth...

had no need of a guide to learn ignorance

When a baby comes you can smell two things: the smell of flesh, which smells like chicken soup, and the smell of lilies, the flower of another garden, the spiritual garden.

Humor is the contemplation of the finite from the point of view of the infinite.

It's all about what they can get out of me.

Reading has made such a profound difference to my life. I'm sure I became a writer because of the power of literature in my own life.

If you want to shine over the world, first let the wisdom shines over you!

The mountain represents your purpose in life. You and your people will enjoy the greatest success and satisfaction if you relentlessly pursue your purpose.

At the centre of every fairy tale lay a truth that gave the story its power

When I was young, I was very technical about these things. I didn't like to admit to any intimate relation with what I was writing.