“It is in the company of men pursuing a same ideal that the still weavering (or unsteady) soul can set oneself (“se fixer”, Fr) and stick to (or attach to) everything that is noble and generous.”

The moral improvement demands an evolution leading to a higher consciousness.

Habit can become a second nature, but, wrongly directed (or guided), it may also heighten (or intensify) unfortunate tendencies and be an obstacle to progress.

The principle of identity, which is the fundamental law of the thought; norms of logic springs from it, that govern the thought (or mind) in the field of science.”

Possessions of this world have not been for the exclusive use by such or such category of individuals.

In ancient times, any man rising up above the common people tried to shape his life according to his principles; it is no longer like than now; it is (because) for the ancients.

The appalling and shameful scene (“spectacle”, Fr.) of disarray and illogicality that manifest itself in the thought and deeds of men, will no longer be seen, once these will possess an enlighten consciouness.

The only one thing which is really valuable, it is to do good.

What we take for vainglory, ambition, love of power and riches (or wealth), is often, indeed, a need to mask this emptiness, a need to let one’s hair down (or to live it up), to put oneself on a false scent or trail. (de se donner le change”, Fr.)

See that unfortunate soldier who is falling hurt to death (“tombe blessé à…”, Fr.) on the battlefield; he learns that his folks have vanquished and dies happy.

Deep down, they are also related (or connected) among them; that they consider (or not) themselves as strangers, this just depends on the feeling (or sensation) that dictate their relationships.

The military predominace of Sparte. This example proves that man can everything on themselves when they want it (“peuvent tout sur eux-mêmes quand ils le veulent”, Fr.); therefore it would only be a question of making them will the good.

A swindler (or crook) of higher condition is more blameworthy than a vulgar scoundrel.

The divine element manifests itself (or show up) in man as well by his aptitude for science, than by his aptitude for virtue.

Besides the progress of industry and technique, we see a growing discontent among the masses; we see, besides the expansion (“expansion,”, Fr.) of instruction, distrust and hatred expanding among nations (“s’étendre la méfiance et la haine entre,” Fr.).

(“Le concept de l’absolu, d’où découlent, dans le domaine moral, les lois ou normes morales, constitue, le principe d’identité, qui est la loi fondamentale de la pensée; il en découle les normes logiques qui régissent la pensée dans le domaine de la science.”)

Outward, thanks to the knowledge of physical laws, man could subdue (or subjugate…) nature, but inwardly, he remained a slave to it.

Sixty years ago I knew everything; now I know nothing; education is a progressive discovery of our own ignorance.

Everything happens for a reason and that reason is there to assist me.

No effort is required to define or even attain happiness, but enormous concentration is needed to abandon everything else.

First of all a natural talent is required; for when Nature opposes, everything else is in vain; but when Nature leads the way to what is most excellent, instruction in the art takes place.

If you grow yourself to become a successful person, in strength of character and mind, you will naturally be successful in anything and everything you do.

Receive with simplicity everything that happens to you.

Family is at the heart of everything I do.

I listen to everything from Ravel to the Bee Gees.