The effect of music is so very much more powerful and penetrating than is that of the other arts, for these others speak only of the shadow, but music of the essence.

First the truth is ridiculed. Then it meets outrage. Then it is said to have been obvious all along.

A man's delight in looking forward to and hoping for some particular satisfaction is a part of the pleasure flowing out of it, enjoyed in advance. But this is afterward deducted, for the more we look forward to anything the less we enjoy it when it comes.

Ordinary people merely think how they shall 'spend' their time; a man of talent tries to 'use' it.

Sexual passion is the cause of war and the end of peace, the basis of what is serious... and consequently the concentration of all desire

He who does not enjoy solitude will not love freedom.

In the sphere of thought, absurdity and perversity remain the masters of the world, and their dominion is suspended only for brief periods.