A sect or party is an elegant incognito devised to save a man from the vexation of thinking.

Freedom suppressed and again regained bites with keener fangs than freedom never endangered.

[Housework] is undoubtedly a great blessing, too, because it keeps me sane, it forces me to live a regular life & is in general good for me although I curse it every day.

My friend, to love people as they are is impossible. And yet one must. And therefore do good to them, clenching your feelings, holding your nose, and shutting your eyes (this last is necessary). Endure evil from them, not getting angry with them if possible, ‘remembering that you, too, are a human being’.

You’re not really supposed to understand me, but I want very much for you to listen to me.

Compassion was the most important, perhaps the sole law of human existence.

If there is no struggle there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom and yet deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning.

No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist.

Vague expression permits the hearer to imagine whatever suits him and what he already thinks in any case.

Passion is necessary. Every movement of infinity comes about by passion, and no reflection can bring a movement about.