heroism

There is a dreadful heroism, a rather difficult decision to make: to bear all that occurs without ever being a hero. An adventure yarn in an unlit room.

poverty

Our epoch completes the disappearance of the layabout, the rake, the useless dandy whose sole function was to waste his life and money. We instituted a new honour: that of earned money. Anything that does not earn money is despised. A curious twist in the morals...

false modesty

Sure, false modesty is loathsome. However, if not in pursuit of a hypocritical aim, affecting modesty prepares one for practicing the truth.

strength

He who knows his weakness is actually stronger than he who blindly believes in his strength.