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.

It is a clumsy experiment to make; for it involves the destruction of the very consciousness which puts the question and awaits the answer.

The life of every individual is really always a tragedy, but gone through in detail, it has the character of a comedy.

For the world is Hell, and men are on the one hand the tormented souls and on the other the devils in it.

Man may have the most excellent judgment in all other matters, and yet go wrong in those which concern himself; because here the will comes in and deranges the intellect at once. Therefore let a man take counsel of a friend. A doctor can cure everyone but himself; if he falls ill, he sends for a colleague.

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

Style is the physiognomy of the mind. It is more infallible than that of the body. To imitate the style of another is said to be wearing a mask. However beautiful it may be, it is through its lifelessness insipid and intolerable, so that even the most ugly living face is more engaging.