We have hereafter only two roads to choose: one is to embrace the ancient literature and die, the other is to forsake the ancient literature and live.

It is for the sake of order that I seduced Clytemnestra, for the sake of order that I killed my king. I wanted for order to rule and that it rule through me. I have lived without desire, without love, without hope: I made order. Oh! terrible and divine passion!

If you desire ease, forsake learning.
If you desire learning, forsake ease.How can the man at his ease acquire knowledge,
And how can the earnest student enjoy ease?

Once I have forsaken the vow of guarding my mind, of what use are many vows to me?

Bravery for the sake of bravery is just as negative as acting arbitrarily for the sake of acting arbitrarily.They are both extravagances, nothing more.

Who sits alone by the bright window?
My shadow and I, only we two.
But the lamp burns out, there is darkness.
Even my shadow forsakes me.
Alas, alas!
I am forlorn!

Don't you know that a good and excellent person does nothing for the sake of appearances, but only for the sake of having acted right?