At the risk of displeasing innocent ears I submit that egoism belongs to the essence of a noble soul.

The nobility of the soul makes itself known by admitting its egoism without consciousness, without remorse, without self-deception.

Your soul will be dead even before your body: fear nothing further.

Envy and jealousy are the private parts of the human soul. Perhaps the comparison can be extended.

A soul which knows that it is loved, but does not itself love, betrays its sediment: its dregs come up.

Just as bones, tissues, intestines, and blood vessels are enclosed in a skin that makes it possible to bear the sight of a human being, so the agitations and passions of the soul are wrapped up in vanity: it is the soul's skin.