The external existence of God is fundamental, like the internal: they are indestructible and equal to each other, and this external divine existence constitutes the content of knowledge, in it alone the world and everything that exists is contained.
It's not in my power to feel a particular turn on or not. But it is in my power whether I will satisfy her or not.
Self-improvement through the free influence of others upon us, and the improvement of others through our influence over them as free beings—this is our purpose in society.
There is only one philosophy, just as there is only one mathematics.
Man is meant to live in society, he must live in society; he is not a full man, and is opposed to his nature, if he lives in isolation; it is important not to confuse society with the separate, empirically determined society called the state. Life within the state is not an absolute goal of man. The state organization of a particular era is the result of its previous destinies.
I'd rather count peas than study history.
Inconsolable grief and violent joy have similar effects on man, and when these feelings take us by surprise, they can cause such strong and such bewildering emotion that we can often lose all strength.
The greatest comfort in the time of all my troubles is that no enemy can take my conscience, and I will never be such an enemy as to harm him myself.
The most dangerous enemy is a cunning friend.
If the notions of "mine" and "yours" did not exist, there would be universal peace on earth.
It is much more useful to be able to predict, on the basis of character, the actions of people in certain situations than to judge their character.
Envy is the fatal poison that poisons our souls.
Bad books can corrupt us just like bad friends.
There are women in whose character pride prevails to such an extent, that they confiscate any praise, no matter to whom it is addressed.
There are many women who scream at the sight of a mouse or a rat but are able to poison their husbands or, worse, bring them into a state of poisoning themselves.
True honor cannot stand lies.
Slander is a more dangerous weapon than the sword because its wounds never heal.
Slander from some people is as good a recommendation as praise from others.
We always like flattery when it refers to qualities we lack. Tell a fool he's smart, or a liar he's the most honest man in the world, and they'll shower you with hugs.
It is not in man's nature to love the one who hates him.
Stupid people are not always harmless: they have sense enough to say something that may offend or slander their neighbor.
People who are too cunning often make mistakes, believing others to be wiser or, better said, more cunning than they really are.
In addition to the laws of the state, there are also the laws of conscience, which complement the shortcomings of the legislation.
No amount of benefit gained through murder can compensate for the loss of soul fear.
Misunderstood pity is not only a weakness, but borders on injustice, and is absolutely injurious to society, because it encourages vice.
Jealousy is like gout: if this disease is in the blood, you can never be sure that it will not spread suddenly, and often this happens for the smallest reasons and when you least expect it.
Happy is he who considers himself happy.
An impartial and thoughtful man is never quick to make accusations.
Is he happy who is happy alone? Imagine a man who would direct all his nobility to personal good alone. Which would touch him to such an extent that he would no longer want anything. And then his whole soul would be surprised by a single feeling, by a fear: that sooner or later he would collapse. Should it be the one who no longer wants anything and who only fears?
A noble situation without noble concerns means nothing.