Oh, what a valiant faculty is hope, that in a mortal subject, and in a moment, makes nothing of usurping infinity, immensity, eternity, and of supplying its master’s indigence, at its pleasure, with all things he can imagine or desire!
Michel Eyquem de Montaigne Quotes
God defend me from being an honest man according to the description which every day I see made by each man to his own glorification.
One open way of speaking introduces another open way of speaking, and draws out discoveries, like wine and love.
On my return from Saint Peter’s I met a man who informed me humorously of two things: that the Portuguese made their obeisance to the Pope in Passion week; and then, that on this same day the station was at San Giovanni Porta Latina, in which church a few years before certain Portuguese had entered […]
The only good histories are those that have been written by the persons themselves who commanded in the affairs whereof they write.
Custom is a second nature, and no less powerful.
Satiety comes of too frequent repetition; and he who will not give himself leisure to be thirsty can never find the true pleasure of drinking.
To philosophize is to doubt.
The sun shines on their successes, and the earth hides their failures.
There never were in the world two opinions alike, no more than two hairs or two grains; the most universal quality is diversity.
