The essence of being human is that one does not seek perfection.

Strive always to excel in virtue and truth.

Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist

It is the nature of truth in general, as of some ores in particular, to be richest when most superficial.

You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you mad.

If we cannot end now our differences, at least we can help make the world safe for diversity.

The truth. It is a beautiful and terrible thing, and must therefore be treated with great caution.

The victor will never be asked if he told the truth.

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.

Tell the truth boldly, whether it hurts or not. Never pander to weakness. If truth is too much for intelligent people and sweeps them away, let them go; the sooner the better.

No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead he puts it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.

I do not want the peace which passeth understanding, I want the understanding which bringeth peace.

Love truth, but pardon error.

Adversity is the first path to truth.

One can not reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others.

It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.

It is not worthy of a speaker of truth to curse people.

The purpose of argument is to change the nature of truth.

No matter how big the lie; repeat it often enough and the masses will regard it as the truth.

Truth is ever to be found in the simplicity, and not in the multiplicity and confusion of things.

I hope that real love and truth are stronger in the end than any evil or misfortune in the world.