Were I asked, what is a fairytale? I should reply, Read Undine: that…

But God lets men have their playthings, like the children they are, that they may learn to distinguish them from true possessions. If they are not learning that he takes them from them, and tries the other way: for lack of them and its …

Two people may be at the same spot in manners and behaviour, and yet one may be getting better, and the other worse, which is the greatest of differences that could possibly exist between them.

I think the reason children get tired of their toys so soon is just that it is against human nature to be really interested in what is of no use.

To receive honestly is the best thanks for a good thing.

What we call evil, is the only and best shape, which, for the person and his condition at the time, could be assumed by the best good.

Not even nothingness preceded life. Nothingness owes its very idea to existence.