"I undertake the same project as Montaigne, but with an aim contrary to his own: for he wrote his Essays only for others, and I write my reveries only for myself"
"I only see clearly what I remember"
"I may be no better, but at least I am different"
"I long remained a child, and I am still one in many respects"
"I have resolved on an enterprise that has no precedent and will have no imitator. I want to set before my fellow human beings a man in every way true to nature; and that man will be myself"
"I have always said and felt that true enjoyment can not be described"
