Giacomo Leopardi

Real misanthropes are not found in solitude, but in the world; since it is experience of life, and not philosophy, which produces real hatred of mankind. ”

No human trait deserves less tolerance in everyday life, and gets less, than intolerance. ”

Old age is the supreme evil, for it deprives man of all pleasures while allowing his appetites to remain, and it brings with it every possible sorrow. Yet men fear death and desire old age. ”

Death is not evil, for it frees man from all ills and takes away his desires along with desire's rewards. ”