We should enjoy this summer, flower by flower, as if it were to be the last one we’ll see.

Mozart's joy is made of serenity, and a phrase of his music is like a calm thought; his simplicity is merely purity. It is a crystalline thing in which all the emotions play a role, but as if already celestially transposed. Moderation consists in feeling emotions as the angels do.

Each of us really understands in others only those feelings he is capable of producing himself.

Man's responsibility increases as that of the gods decreases.

Atheism. There is not a single exalting and emancipating influence that does not in turn become inhibitory.

The most decisive actions of life are most often unconsidered actions.

Great authors are admirable in this respect: in every generation they make for disagreement. Through them we become aware of our differences.