No greater mistake can be made than to imagine that what has been written latest is always the more correct; that what is written later on is an improvement on what was written previously; and that every change means progress.

To be alone is the fate of all great minds—a fate deplored at times, but still always chosen as the less grievous of two evils.

It is difficult to keep quiet if you have nothing to do

With people of limited ability modesty is merely honesty. But with those who possess great talent it is hypocrisy.

Before you take anything away, you must have something better to put in its place.

What give all that is tragic, whatever its form, the characteristic of the sublime, is the first inkling of the knowledge that the world and life can give no satisfaction, and are not worth our investment in them. The tragic spirit consists in this. Accordingly it leads to resignation.

If a relationship is perfectly natural there will be a complete fusion of the happiness of both of you-owing to fellow-feeling and various other laws which govern our natures, this is, quite simply, the greatest happiness that can exist.