Georg C. Lichtenberg

We cannot remember too often that when we observe nature, and especially the ordering of nature, it is always ourselves alone we are observing.

I cannot say whether things will get better if we change what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.

One must judge men not by their opinions, but by what their opinions have made of them.

Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinion at all.

We have no words for speaking of wisdom to the stupid. He who understands the wise is wise already.

It is almost everywhere the case that soon after it is begotten the greater part of human wisdom is laid to rest in repositories.

The pleasures of the imagination are as it were only drawings and models which are played with by poor people who cannot afford the real thing.

Never undertake anything for which you wouldn't have the courage to ask the blessings of heaven.

What is the good of drawing conclusions from experience? I don't deny we sometimes draw the right conclusions, but don't we just as often draw the wrong ones?

The Greeks possessed a knowledge of human nature we seem hardly able to attain to without passing through the strengthening hibernation of a new barbarism.

Perhaps in time the so-called Dark Ages will be thought of as including our own.

Even truth needs to be clad in new garments if it is to appeal to a new age.

Much can be inferred about a man from his mistress: in her one beholds his weaknesses and his dreams.