Nothing is more pathological in our pathological modernity than this disease of Christian pity.

Shackled heart, free spirit.--Whoever binds his heart tightly and imprisons it may indulge his spirit in many liberties: I have already said that once. But no one believes me unless he already knows.

Love brings to light the lofty and hidden characteristics of the lover--what is rare and exceptional in him: to that extent it caneasily be deceptive with respect to what is normal in him.

Both classically- and romantically-minded spirits-inasmuch as these two species always exist-occupy themselves with a vision of the future: but the former do so out of a strength of their age, the latter out of its weakness.

The gilded sheath of pity sometimes covers the dagger of envy.

Spirit is the life that itself cuts into life: with its own torment it increases its own knowledge. Did you already know that?

Is it better to out-monster the monster or to be quietly devoured?