Will without intellect is the most vulgar and common thing in the world, possessed by every blockhead, who, in the gratification of his passions, shows the stuff of which he is made.
The wise in all ages have always said the same things, and the fools, who at all times form the immense majority, have in their way too acted alike, and done just the opposite; and so it will continue.
The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.
The longer a man’s fame is likely to last, the later it will be in coming.
The greatest of follies is to sacrifice health for any other kind of happiness.
The general history of art and literature shows that the highest achievements of the human mind are, as a rule, not favourably received at first.
Riches, one may say, are like sea-water: the more you drink, the thirstier you become; and the same is true of fame.
On the path of actions, a great heart is the chief recommendation; on that of works, a great head.
No doubt, when modesty was made a virtue, it was a very advantageous thing for the fools, for everybody is expected to speak of himself as if he were one.
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.
National character is only another name for the particular form which the littleness, perversity and baseness of mankind take in every country.
Honor means that a man is not exceptional; fame, that he is. Fame is something which must be won; honor, only something which must not be lost.