Poetry

In the midst of so much philosophy, humanity, and polite-ness, and so many sublime maxims, we have nothing to show for ourselves but a deceitful and frivolous exterior, honour without virtue, reason without wisdom, and pleasure without happiness.

• Rousseau

I have perceiv'd that to be with those I like is enough, To stop in company with the rest at evening is enough, To be surrounded by beautiful, curious, breathing, laughing flesh is enough, To pass among them or touch any one, or rest my arm ever so lightly round his or her neck for a moment, what is this then? I do not ask for any more delight.

"He was a man, take him for all in all, I shall not look upon his like again."

• Hamlet

When the workman has enough to do, he stops. If he does not stop, he will be wearied.

When he has enough to use, he puts it away. If he does not put it away, he will be harmed.

When there is enough, stopping is fitting; to go on beyond this is confusion.

I cannot bend the happenings of the world to my will: I am completely powerless.

I can only make myself independent of the world – and so in a certain sense master it – by renouncing any influence on happenings

• Wittgenstein