"The dupe of friendship, and the fool of love; have I not reason to hate and to despise myself? Indeed I do; and chiefly for not having hated and despised the world enough."
"Rules and models destroy genius and art."
"Life is the art of being well deceived; and in order that the deception may succeed it must be habitual and uninterrupted."
"The most insignificant people are the most apt to sneer at others. They are safe from reprisals. And have no hope of rising in their own self esteem but by lowering their neighbors."
"the old maxim... "there are three things necessary to success in life--Impudence! Impudence! Impudence!"
"To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind."