I was afraid that by observing objects with my eyes and trying to comprehend them with each of my other senses I might blind my soul altogether.

"I decided that it was not wisdom that enabled [poets] to write their poetry, but a kind of instinct or inspiration, such as you find in seers and prophets who deliver all their sublime messages without knowing in the least what they mean."

"Let him that would move the world, first move himself."

"If all our misfortunes were laid in one common heap whence everyone must take an equal portion, most people would be contented to take their own and depart."

"If a rich man is proud of his wealth, he should not be praised until it is known how he employs it."