The manifestation of poetry in external life is formal perfection. True sentiment grows within, and art must represent internal phenomena externally.

Who claims that the heathen's view of the world is incorrect? Life gives you nothing! It is ruled by false gods! Nothing remains true to you but your own self; provided you remain true to it.

Trying to conceal a crime is like burying a seed in the ground.

A wise man can and should stand above his times, not so the poet, but he should be their apex.

Metaphysics must be based on what exists, for it has the task of explicating it.

Boundless in your charity, but shrewd and cautious as a lender, you delight all those today whom you made beggars the day before.

A person who looks different all the time frightens me. Only one animal changes its skin: the snake.