You will be amused when you see that I have more than once deceived without the slightest qualm of conscience, both knaves and fools.

My errors will point to thinking men the various roads, and will teach them the great art of treading on the brink of the precipice without falling into it.

For my future I have no concern, and as a true philosopher, I never would have any, for I know not what it may be: as a Christian, on the other hand, faith must believe without discussion, and the stronger it is, the more it keeps silent.

It is only necessary to have courage, for strength without self-confidence is useless.

I am bound to add that the excess in too little has ever proved in me more dangerous than the excess in too much; the last may cause indigestion, but the first causes death.

I have felt in my very blood, ever since I was born, a most unconquerable hatred towards the whole tribe of fools, and it arises from the fact that I feel myself a blockhead whenever I am in their company.