A mirror is the very foundation of self-consciousness

Books make men alone for themselves.

Only what thou art in thyself determines thy value, not what thou hast.

Being alone when one’s belief is firm, is not to be alone.

He who possesses a firm faith, although in solitude, is not alone.

Perfect solitude is when, for a whole day, no human eye has beheld your face.

It lies in our own power to attune the mind to cheerfulness.