Poetry, it is often said and loudly so, is life's true mirror. But a monkey looking into a work of literature looks in vain for Socrates.

Today is, after all, today, but yesterday is of the same substance as tomorrow.

A pious woman's neighbor, a philanthropist's child, a liberal's servant--these three have a hard life.

The verdict on Prince Metternich will soon be out: An excellent diplomat and a bad politician.

Disregard for the consequences and for right and wrong nowadays passes as energy.

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.

I love the pride whose measure is its own eminence and not the insignificance of someone else.