If we do not find anything very pleasant, at least we shall find something new.

Argument

Weakness on both sides is, the motto of all quarrels.

Bores and Boredom

All kinds are good except the kind that bores you.

Common Sense

Common sense is not so common.

Coward and Cowardice

One of the chief misfortunes of honest people is that they are cowardly.

Enemies

In my life, I have prayed but one prayer: oh Lord, make my enemies ridiculous. And God granted it.

Excellence

The best is the enemy of the good.

Faults

We are all full of weakness and errors; let us mutually pardon each other our follies it is the first law of nature.

Freedom

The true character of liberty is independence, maintained by force.

God

If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent Him.

History and Historians

History is just the portrayal of crimes and misfortunes.

Lies and Lying

I should like to lie at your feet and die in your arms.

Manners

We cannot always oblige; but we can always speak obligingly.

Metaphysics

When he to whom a person speaks does not understand, and he who speaks does not understand himself, that is metaphysics.

Necessity

The superfluous is very necessary.

Passion

Anyone who seeks to destroy the passions instead of controlling them is trying to play the angel.

Philosophers and Philosophy

When he who hears does not know what he who speaks means, and when he who speaks does not know what he himself means, that is philosophy.

Poetry and Poets

It is as impossible to translate poetry as it is to translate music.

Prejudice

Prejudices are what fools use for reason.

Questions

He must be very ignorant for he answers every question he is asked.

Reform

Every abuse ought to be reformed, unless the reform is more dangerous than the abuse itself.

Song and Singing

Anything that is too stupid to be spoken is sung.

Superstition

Superstition is to religion what astrology is to astronomy; the mad daughter of a wise mother.

Theory

Let us work without theorizing, 'Tis the only way to make life endurable.

Truth

Truth is a fruit which should not be plucked until it is ripe.

Wisdom

He is a hard man who is only just, and a sad one who is only wise.