Scientist

Perhaps in time the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own.

Perhaps in time the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own.

To grow wiser means to learn to know better and better the faults to which this instrument with which we feel and judge can be subject.

Just as the performance of the vilest and most wicked deeds requires spirit and talent, so even the greatest demand a certain insensitivity which under other circumstances we would call stupidity.

Once we know our weaknesses they cease to do us any harm.

Man is to be found in reason, God in the passions.

Men still have to be governed by deception.

To be content with life or to live merrily, rather all that is required is that we bestow on all things only a fleeting, superficial glance; the more thoughtful we become the more earnest we grow.

Much can be inferred about a man from his mistress: in her one beholds his weaknesses and his dreams.

Never undertake anything for which you wouldn't have the courage to ask the blessings of heaven.

If all else fails, the character of a man can be recognized by nothing so surely as by a jest which he takes badly.

There is no greater impediment to progress in the sciences than the desire to see it take place too quickly.

It is in the gift for employing all the vicissitudes of life to one's own advantage and to that of one's craft that a large part of genius consists.

The sure conviction that we could if we wanted to is the reason so many good minds are idle.

Once we know our weaknesses they cease to do us any harm.

The most perfect ape cannot draw an ape; only man can do that; but, likewise, only man regards the ability to do this as a sign of superiority.

He who is in love with himself has at least this advantage - he won't encounter many rivals.

The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism.

With prophecies the commentator is often a more important man than the prophet.

We have no words for speaking of wisdom to the stupid. He who understands the wise is wise already.