No shortcomings of other people cause us to be more intolerant than those which are caricatures of our own.

Bunglers and pedants judge art according to genre; they approve of this and dismiss that genre, but instead of genres, the open-minded connoisseur appreciates only individual works.

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.

I understand the phrase "Honor the Women" all too well: the poet has probably a wife of his own, but he prefers to honor another.

Captivating the spirit of the age is a matter of great talent; being swept away by it characterizes an average mind. The two are as different from one another as activity and passivity.

It's actually the spirit helping the spirit; it is the doctor, the bed, the potion.

No one will stop to help you when you are in need, but everyone forces opinions upon you that you do not require.