[W]hat counts is that one perceives excellence and dares to give it expression, which sounds little but is in fact a great deal.

We accept every person in the world as that for which he gives himself out, only he must give himself out for something. We can put up with the unpleasant more easily than we can endure the insignificant.

If a poet would work politically, he must give himself up to a party; and so soon as he does that, he is lost as a poet.

Some of our weaknesses are born in us, others are the result of education; it is a question which of the two gives us most trouble.

This being busied with thoughts of immortality is for the noble classes and especially for women with nothing to do. A solid person, though, someone who already intends to be something worthy here, and who therefore has to strive daily, has to struggle and work, gives the world to come a rest.

No wonder we are all more or less pleased with mediocrity, since it leaves us at rest, and gives the same comfortable feeling as when one associates with his equals.

Let him who believes in immortality enjoy his happiness in silence; he has no reason to give himself airs about it.

I nothing had, and yet enough for youth--Joy in Illusion, ardent thirst for Truth. Give unrestrained, the old emotion, The bliss that touched the verge of pain, The strength of Hate, Love's deep devotion,--O, give me back my youth again!

If you lay duties upon people and give them no rights, you must pay them well.