To accomplish great things, one must live as if one were never to die.
1747
There are two kinds of dependence: that on things, which is from nature; that on men, which is from society. Dependence on things [...] does not harm freedom, and does not breed vices.
1762
[Certain minds] persuade themselves that many things are possible which are not, for they possess only an imperfect theory of things in general.
1642-1645
For a long time I sought to conceal that I was a philosopher; and that served me well.
c. 108 AD
Head and neck from a marble figure
2700–2500 BCE
In proportion to a man's lack of confidence in his own solitary judgment, he bestows more implicit faith in the infallibility of 'the world' in general.
1859
The homage paid to virtue is fleeting; the homage paid to strength is eternal.
1772
When we say: It is impossible for God to sin, we are not accusing Him of impotence, but attesting to His ineffable power.
1263-1264
[Nomenclatures] are good as soon as they are able to help our mind in its research, and do not cause it to form false notions.
1805
Strainer
10th century BCE
The contemplation of the One is that supreme revelation of the mysteries that the hierophant alone sees in the sanctuary and can only communicate to the initiated.
c. 253-270 AD
The privilege and superiority of man, endowed with reflection and reminiscence.
Mid-fourth century BC and 322 BC
Passions always inspire us well, since they only inspire in us the desire for happiness; it is the mind that leads us astray.
1763
Is it not better to break with fortune at the right time, than to be struck by an unforeseen blow that throws one from the top of the wheel?
1636
Bronze jug
ca. 6th century BCE
The microscope, which could barely discern a whale and a ship, had no purchase on a being as imperceptible as men.
1752
In the countryside, reaction becomes vile, base, petty, tiresome, and vexatious: in a word, a gendarme.
1851/1852
Between a crude life and a soft life, I would like to distinguish a simple life, and to define its idea, if possible, with some precision.
1776
It is almost ridiculous, when every other science is constantly progressing, to be always turning in the same spot in metaphysics, which nevertheless wants to be wisdom itself [...] and to make not the slightest progress.
1783
William Forsyth (1749–1814)
ca. 1800
To fear blame at every turn is proof of a gentle and simple character, it is true, but one that has no greatness.
100-120 AD
The art that applies to one, applies to many, and reciprocally.
End of the 4th century BC
Dust does not cling to a perfectly clear mirror; if it clings, it is because the mirror is damp or greasy.
4th century BC
Indeed, by foreseeing troubles from afar, it is much easier to remedy them; whereas if they are allowed to grow, it is too late, and the malady becomes incurable.
1513
Interior of a Kitchen
ca. 1642–44
Not every end is a goal. The end of the melody is not its goal; and yet, if the melody has not reached its end, it has not reached its goal. A symbol.
1879
I entertain these feelings only as friends whom I do not believe I shall keep.
1643-1649
Nature is not abstract: the levers and wheels of mechanics are not mathematical lines and circles.
1674-1675
Visual space and tactile space.
1896
Portrait of a Man
ca. 1515
The inhabitant of the United States learns from birth that he must rely on himself to combat the evils and difficulties of life; he casts but a defiant and uneasy glance upon the social authority [...].
1835-1840
We know that the jackdaw is naturally a thief: to entrust gold to it would be to want to lose it.
59 BC
Those who [...] asserted that nothing can be known with certainty, [propagate] a discouraging opinion.
1620
Jealousy is born from the feeling of ownership and a fear of losing that property, which is a tangible benefit.
1926
Fragmentary marble inscription
ca. 425–424 BCE
In society, the liveliness of conversation gives pleasure even to those who do not think of taking part in it; that is why men who speak at length [...] are so unbearable.
1751
Let the universe perish, and let me be saved!
1840
Let us never allow time or distance the power to make us forget our friends.
circa 65 AD
There would be no need for miracles if one spoke to them with reason. Thus, it is unbelievable things that serve as proof for other unbelievable things.
1766
Bronze support in the form of a ram's head and foreleg
1st century BCE–1st century CE
A beautiful girl, strong, fresh and healthy, said one day [...], after a 10-hour day: We're fed up with the day. Can't wait for Bastille Day so we can dance. [...] it's been 5 years since I've danced. You want to dance, and so you dance in front of the laundry.
1934-1942
Analogy is the only help we have in these matters [beyond our senses]; and it is from there alone that we draw all our grounds of probability.
1689
In every government there are necessary offices, not only abject but also vicious. Vices find their place there [...], like poisons for the preservation of our health.
1580
The mystery of faith.
1841
View in the Stables of the Villa of Maecenas, Tivoli
ca. 1805–10
A divided city is half taken.
c. 1552-1553
You suspected that my explanation would be opposed to the very different idea we have of the mind and the body; but [...] no one has better established their independence.
1696
The soul's power of thinking does not extend beyond what is contained in the idea of that body, or what can be deduced from it.
1661-1676
One must move beyond these overly general questions and tackle a certain number of particular problems.
1895
Still Life with Flowers and Fruit
1866