A philosopher is [one who] aspires to explain away all mysteries, to dissolve them into light.

Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you.

Conquering any difficulty always gives one a secret joy, for it means pushing back a boundary-line and adding to one's liberty.

He who asks of life nothing but the improvement of his own nature... is less liable than anyone else to miss and waste life.

Tell me what you feel in your room when the full moon is shining in upon you and your lamp is dying out, and I will tell you how old you are, and I shall know if you are happy.

Learn to... be what you are, and learn to resign with a good grace all that you are not.