Strength, strength alone, is honorable, the German nation clamors in its majesty. But since it is hard to muster strength so suddenly, they have to make do with boorishness.

Just as the queen bee, the highest-ranking, peerless creature of her hive, is surrounded by lowly drones to please her, whereas the workers produce honey, the same way is the one who sits on the throne an equal only to himself, and no one's companion.

Do you think that it is possible to have a mere taste of commonness? Either one hates it or makes common cause with it.

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

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

The military and the clergy cause us much annoyance; the clergy and the military, they empty our wallets and rob our intelligence.

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