“[Chess] is a foolish expedient for making idle people believe they are doing something very clever, when they are only wasting their time. ”

“There are many foolish people in the world and when a man in a rather high position puts on no frills, slaps them on the back, and tells them he'll do anything in the world for them, they are very likely to think him clever.”

“To be idle is a short road to death and to be diligent is a way of life; foolish people are idle, wise people are diligent. ”

“It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do. There is no fun in doing nothing when you have nothing to do. Wasting time is merely an occupation then, and a most exhausting one. Idleness, like kisses, to be sweet must be stolen.”

“I never make stupid mistakes - only very, very clever ones.”

“Time will come and some people will be proud of themselves that they have never believed in any religion! This honour will be belonging to the clever people of the society only! For the others, merely the deep shame will remain!”