The Idols of Tribe have their foundation in human nature itself, and in the tribe or race of men. For it is a false assertion that the sense of man is the measure of things. On the contrary, all perceptions as well of the sense as of the mind are according to the measure of the individual and not according to the measure of the universe. And the human understanding is like a false mirror, which, receiving rays irregularly, distorts and discolors the nature of things by mingling its own nature with it.

For whatever deserves to exist deserves also to be known, for knowledge is the image of existence, and things mean and splendid exist alike.

He that cannot possibly mend his own case will do what he can to impair another's.

You see, painting has now become, or all art has now become completely a game, by which man distracts himself. What is fascinating actually is, that it's going to become much more difficult for the artist, because he must really deepen the game to become any good at all.

The more a man drinketh of the world, the more it intoxicateth.

That things are changed, and that nothing really perishes, and that the sum of matter remains exactly the same, is sufficiently certain.

It is good discretion not make too much of any man at the first; because one cannot hold out that proportion.