Every instant of our lives is essentially irreplaceable: you must know this in order to concentrate on life.
In order to judge properly, one must get away somewhat from what one is judging, after having loved it. This is true of countries, of persons, and of oneself.
The sole art that suits me is that which, rising from unrest, tends toward serenity.
The most subtle art, the strongest and deepest art – supreme art – is the one that does not at first allow itself to be recognized.
I owe much to my friends; but, all things considered, it strikes me that I owe even more to my enemies. The real person springs life under a sting even better than under a caress.
What would there be in a story of happiness? Only what prepares it, only what destroys it can be told.
Only those things are beautiful which are inspired by madness and written by reason.
Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you.
One should want only one thing and want it constantly. Then one is sure of getting it. But I desire everything, and consequently get nothing.
Man’s responsibility increases as that of the gods decreases.
Nothing is more fatal to happiness than the remembrance of happiness.
The wise man is astonished by anything.
Fear of ridicule begets the worst cowardice.
When intelligent people pride themselves on not understanding, it is quite natural they should succeed better than fools.
But can one still make resolutions when one is over forty? I live according to twenty-year-old habits.
The truth is that as soon as we are no longer obliged to earn our living, we no longer know what to do with our life and recklessly squander it.
There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them.
The want of logic annoys. Too much logic bores. Life eludes logic, and everything that logic alone constructs remains artificial and forced.
The most beautiful things are those that madness prompts and reason writes.
It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace.