As far as the arts and the sciences are concerned, the German mind appreciates most highly that which it does not understand of the latter, and that which it does not enjoy of the former.

Gold is the gift of vanity and common pride, but flowers are the gift of love and friendship.

Women, children, Tyroleans and preachers want to create a new kingdom of God, but the God of their kingdom looks like women, children, preachers, and Tyrolians.

Christianity is the religion of melancholy and hypochondria. Islam, on the other hand, promotes apathy, and Judaism instills its adherents with a certain choleric vehemence, the heathen Greeks may well be called happy optimists.

At certain times, men regard poetry merely as a bright flame, but to women it was, and always will be, a warm fire.

German diligence is actually endurance.

Since love is folly, a foolish woman is more dangerous than a wise one.