Mensch kann tun was er will; er kann aber nicht wollen was er will. (One can choose what to do, but not what to want.)

A man of talent will strive for money and reputation; but the spring that moves genius to the production of its works is not as easy to name

Whatever torch we kindle, and whatever space it may illuminate, our horizon will always remain encircled by the depth of night.

We seldom speak of what we have but often of what we lack.

We should comfort ourselves with the masterpieces of art as with exalted personages-stand quietly before them and wait till they speak to us.

A reproach can only hurt if it hits the mark. Whoever knows that he does not deserve a reproach can treat it with contempt.

To call the world God is not to explain it; it is only to enrich our language with a superfluous synonym.