Science and art, or by the same token, poetry and prose differ from one another like a journey and an excursion. The purpose of the journey is its goal, the purpose of an excursion is the process.

If someone were to think that trees are made to support the sky, they would all seem too short.

Beauty satisfies the senses completely and at the same time uplifts the soul. That which gratifies the senses is pleasant, and that which uplifts the soul without being sensual in the least is good, true, right, anything you like, but not beautiful.

Mankind is getting smarter every day. Actually, it only seems so. At least we are making progress. We're progressing, to be sure, ever more deeply into the forest.

Transcendence: that which transcends experience.

The noble woman is half a man, even a complete one. Only their imperfections make them women.

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