I go in solitude, so as not to drink out of everybody's cistern. When I am among the many I live as the many do, and I do not think I really think; after a time it always seems as if they want to banish myself from myself and rob me of my soul.

One often contradicts an opinion when what is uncongenial is really the tone in which it was conveyed.

They would have to sing better songs for me to learn to have faith in their Redeemer; and his disciples would have to look more redeemed!

A nation is a detour of nature to arrive at five or six great men- yes, and then to get around them.

What separates two people most profoundly is a different sense and degree of cleanliness.

I want to learn more and more to see as beautiful what is necessary in things; then I shall be one of those who make things beautiful. Amor fati: let that be my love henceforth! I do not want to wage war against what is ugly. I do not want to accuse; I do not even want to accuse those who accuse. Looking away shall be my only negation. And all in all and on the whole: some day I wish to be only a Yes-sayer.

Just as a waterfall grows slower and more lightly suspended as it plunges down, so the great man of action tends to act with greater calmness than his tempestuous desires prior to the deed would lead one to expect.