I have found strength where one does not look for it: in simple, mild, and pleasant people, without the least desire to rule -- and, conversely, the desire to rule has often appeared to me a sign of inward weakness: they fear their own slave soul and shroud it in a royal cloak (in the end, they still become the slaves of their followers, their fame, etc.)

Be careful, lest in casting out your demon you exorcise the best thing in you.

Many a one cannot loosen his own fetters, but is nevertheless his friend's emancipator.

One ought to hold on to one's heart; for if one lets it go, one soon loses control of the head too.

I do not know what the spirit of a philosopher could more wish to be than a good dancer. For the dance is his ideal, also his fine art, finally also the only kind of piety he knows, his 'divine service.'

If married couples did not live together, happy marriages would be more frequent.

The heart and hand of those who always mete out become callous from always meting out.