371 Quotes by Stefan Zweig

Names have a mysterious transforming power. Like a ring on a finger, a name may at first seem merely accidental, committing you to nothing; but before you realize its magical power, it's gotten under your skin, become part of you and your destiny.

The instinct for self-deception in human beings makes them try to banish from their minds dangers of which at bottom they are perfectly aware by declaring them non-existent.

All I know is that I shall be alone again. There is nothing more terrible than to be alone among human beings.

What is noble, lyrical, tender in the upper level shown is also with the servants, scoundrels, and scamps, as in a distorting mirror. This contrast seems to me a most appealing musical theme--to show love in its noble and crude forms, romanticism and crass realism mixed as in everyday life.

Hairdressers are professional gossips; when only the hands are busy, the tongue is seldom still.

There is nothing that so raises a young man's self-esteem, that so contributes to the formation of his character as for him to find himself unexpectedly confronted with a task which he has to accomplish entirely on his own initiative and by his own efforts.

For the more a man limits himself, the nearer he is on the other hand to what is limitless.

One can run away from anything but oneself.

If you are going to sell yourself, you should at least get a good price.