In the end we are always rewarded for our good will, our patience, fair-mindedness, and gentleness with what is strange.

Extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones but by extreme positions of the opposite kind.

He who has attained the freedom of reason to any extent cannot, for a long time, regard himself otherwise than as a wanderer on the face of the earth - and not even as a traveler towards a final goal, for there is no such thing. But he certainly wants to observe and keep his eyes open to whatever actually happens in the world; therefore he cannot attach his heart too firmly to anything individual; he must have in himself something wandering that takes pleasure in change and transitoriness.

He who is dissatisfied with himself is continually ready for revenge and we others will be his victims, if only in having always to endure his ugly sight. For the sight of the ugly makes one bad and gloomy.

One has to take a somewhat bold and dangerous line with this existence: especially as, whatever happens, we are bound to lose it.

Only individuals have a sense of responsibility.

He who thinks a great deal is not suited to be a party man: he thinks his way through the party and out the other side too soon.