That and why the same belief unites men more than the same knowledge. (To explore this point in depth.) Perhaps it is because (or at least I believe so) beliefs come from the heart.

God, the only mirror in which one can know oneself. In all the others one only sees oneself. (See Plato, First Alcibiades.)

The Ancients. In general, one must diminish them to bring out their worth. This is what Mr. de Montesquieu understood admirably.

February 22.

Every talent and every natural merit is a gift from heaven. One must take care not to mock it. As for those that come from men and are often acquired at the expense-and to the detriment of divine gifts, one can be less scrupulous.

The kite spins out its string, the watch completes its wheel.

February 23.

... and for whom ignorance would have been better than knowledge.

Of the means of ending the century, — or of putting an end to this time in all things.

They prolong the century.

To take a detour for nothing (as sometimes in Plato). But when it is for a marvel... To arrange the perspective... To make some truth more remarkable through surprise...

February 24.

For the soul naturally spreads some joy over everything it has understood well.

A severity joined to no gentleness. A virtue joined to no goodness.

To master strength. A style of iron.

February 25.

One could say (if it were not in too bad taste) that the one is a digestion and the other an evacuation of the mind. Chyle is needed.