The Germans believe that, no matter where, they can get by on knowledge alone. Art, however, requires skill.

The way in which modern German poetry follows theories reminds me of pupils who, scolded by their teacher for their insubordination, justify themselves by saying that they invented new rules of propriety according to which they are quite well- behaved.

Many said selfishness was the flaw of our modern age; but then self-conceit emerged from a corner of the deepest hell to join selfishness.

Robespierre, this pedant of freedom!

A man may welcome his beloved with circumstance, but a woman's love and her concern for his well-being are discreet.

Transcendence: that which transcends experience.

Ideas are not thoughts; the thought respects the boundaries that the idea ignores thereby failing to realize itself.