Fame is but the empty noise of madmen.

There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.

How sweet it is to have people point and say, “There he is.”

Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury—to me these have always been contemptible. I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone, best both for the body and the mind.

They are trying to make me into a fixed star. I am an irregular planet.

Happy is the man who hath never known what it is to taste of fame—to have it is a purgatory, to want it is a hell!