I absolutely cannot see how one can later make up for having failed to go to a good school at the proper time. For this is what distinguishes the hard school as a good school from all others: that much is demanded; and sternly demanded; that the good, even the exceptional, is demanded as the norm; that praise is rare, that indulgence is nonexistent; that blame is apportioned sharply, objectively, without regard for talent or antecedents. What does one learn in a hard school? Obeying and commanding.

What is happening to me happens to all fruits that grow ripe. It is the honey in my veins that makes my blood thicker, and my soul quieter.

He who cannot command himself should obey. And many can command themselves, but much is still lacking before they can obey themselves.

In solitude the lonely man is eaten up by himself, among crowds by the many.

All great men are play actors of their own ideal.

What makes one heroic? - Going out to meet at the same time one's highest suffering and one's highest hope.

Mystical explanations are thought to be deep; the truth is that they are not even shallow.