We are usually convinced more easily by reasons we have found ourselves than by those which have occurred to others. - Blaise Pascal

Men, it is in vain that you seek within yourselves the cure for your miseries. All your intelligence can only bring you to realize that it is not within yourselves that you will find either truth or good.

Several particular maxims... are as powerful, although false, in carrying away belief, as those the most true.

The weather and my mood have little connection. I have my foggy and my fine days within me; my prosperity or misfortune has little to do with the matter.