A man’s delight in looking forward to and hoping for some particular satisfaction is a part of the pleasure flowing out of it, enjoyed in advance. But this is afterward deducted, for the more we look forward to anything the less we enjoy it when it comes.
The first forty years of life give us the text; the next thirty supply the commentary on it.
It is with trifles, and when he is off guard, that a man best reveals his character.
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.
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.
To live alone is the fate of all great souls.
Wealth is like sea-water; the more we drink, the thirstier we become; and the same is true of fame.
Suffering by nature or chance never seems so painful as suffering inflicted on us by the arbitrary will of another.
I know of no more beautiful prayer than that which the Hindus of old used in closing: May all that have life be delivered from suffering.
Always to see the general in the particular is the very foundation of genius.
There is no doubt that life is given us, not to be enjoyed, but to be overcome; to be got over.
The wise have always said the same things, and fools, who are the majority have always done just the opposite.
The person who writes for fools is always sure of a large audience.
