Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality of nature, placed alongside thereof for its conquest.

Many a peacock hides his peacock tail from all eyes--and calls it his pride.

One will rarely err if extreme actions be ascribed to vanity, ordinary actions to habit, and mean actions to fear.

Insanity in individuals is something rare - but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule.

People to whom their daily life appears too empty and monotonous easily grow religious; this is comprehensible and excusable, only they have no right to demand religious sentiments from those whose daily life is not empty and monotonous.

The lie is a condition of life.

Every master has but one disciple, and that one becomes unfaithful to him, for he too is destined for master-ship.