My formula for greatness in a human being is amor fati: that one wants nothing to be different, not forward, not backward, not in all eternity. Not merely bear what is necessary, still less conceal it—all idealism is mendaciousness in the face of what is necessary—but love it

I love him who justifieth the future ones, and redeemeth the past ones: for he is willing to succumb through the present ones.

People are always angry at anyone who chooses very individual standards for his life; because of the extraordinary treatment which that man grants to himself, they feel degraded, like ordinary beings.

Men who think deeply appear to be comedians in their dealings with others because they always have to feign superficiality in order to be understood.

Man is something to be surpassed.

Everyone needs a sense of shame, but no one needs to feel ashamed.

Instinct. When the house burns one forgets even lunch. Yes, but one eats it later in the ashes.