The refinement of morality increases together with the refinement of fear. Today the fear of disagreeable feelings in other people is almost the strongest of our own disagreeable feelings.

Behold! I am weary of my wisdom, like the bee that has gathered too much honey; I need hands outstretched to take it from me. I wish to spread it and bestow it, until the wise have once more become joyous in their folly, and the poor happy in their riches.

one does not only wish to be understood when one writes; one wishes just as surely not to be understood.

Oh, how much is today hidden by science! Oh, how much it is expected to hide!

I mistrust all systematizers and avoid them. the will to a system is a lack of integrity.

The value of a man can only be measured with regard to other men.

The desire to annoy no one, to harm no one, can equally well be the sign of a just as of an anxious disposition.