The charm of knowledge would be small indeed, were it not that there is so much shame to be overcome on the way to it.

He who denies himself much in great matters will readily indulge himself in small things.

There would be no sunshine in society if the born flatterers, I mean the so-called amiable people, did not bring it in with them.

Wherever Germany extends her sway, she ruins culture.

There is no more dangerous error than that of mistaking the consequence for the cause.

The happiness of man is: I will. The happiness of woman is: he wills. 'Behold , just now the world ... entire love. And woman must obey and find a depth for her surface. Surface is the disposition of woman: a mobile, stormy film over shallow water. Man's disposition, however, is deep; his river roars in subterranean caves: woman feels his strength but does not comprehend it.

Every one being allowed to learn to read, ruineth in the long run not only writing but also thinking.