199 Quotes by Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel

In the ancients, one sees the accomplished letter of entire poetry: in the moderns, one has the presentiment of the spirit in becoming.

Wit is the appearance, the external flash of imagination. Thus its divinity, and the witty character of mysticism.

Many a witty inspiration is like the surprising reunion of befriended thoughts after a long separation.

Since poetry is infinitely valuable, I do not understand why it should be more valuable than this or that which is also infinitelyvaluable. There are artists who perhaps do not think art to be too great, for this is impossible, and yet they are not free enough to be able to rise above their own best accomplishments.

Irony is the form of paradox. Paradox is what is good and great at the same time.

Eternal life and the invisible world are only to be sought in God. Only within Him do all spirits dwell. He is an abyss of individuality, the only infinite plenitude.

In many a poetic work, one gets here and there, instead of representation merely a title indicating that this or that was supposedto be represented here, that the artist has been prevented from doing it and most humbly asks to be kindly excused.

There is so much poetry, and yet nothing is more rare than a poetic work. This is what the masses make out of poetical sketches, studies, aphorisms, trends, ruins, and raw material.

Irony is a clear consciousness of an eternal agility, of the infinitely abundant chaos.