There is no means by which men so powerfully elude their ignorance, disguise it from themselves and from others as by words

The ultimate test of the laughing instinct is that a man should always be ready to laugh at himself

In great matters men show themselves as they wish to be seen; in small matters, as they are.

In great matters men show themselves as they wish to be seen; in small matters, as they are.

Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use

Never respect men merely for their riches, but rather for their philanthropy; we do not value the sun for its height, but for its use.