We may divide thinkers into those who think for themselves and those who think through others. The latter are the rule and the former the exception. The first are original thinkers in a double sense, and egotists in the noblest meaning of the word.

That human life must be some kind of mistake is sufficiently proved by the simple observation that man is a compound of needs which are hard to satisfy; that their satisfaction achieves nothing but a painless condition in which he is only given over to boredom . . .

Thus also every keen pleasure is an error and an illusion, for no attained wish can give lasting satisfaction.

Human life must be some form of mistake.

Every human perfection is linked to an error which it threatens to turn into

After your death you will be what you were before your birth.

Friends and acquaintances are the surest passport to fortune.