On the heights it is warmer than people in the valley suppose, especially in winter. The thinker recognizes the full import of this simile.

This is the crux of the moral pessimists: if they really wanted to promote their neighbor's redemption, then they would have to resolve themselves to spoiling existence for him, and thus to being his misfortune; out of pity, they would have to--become evil!

As a human being Plato mingles regal, exclusive, and self-contained features with melancholy compassion.

Is man God's biggest blunder, or is man's God?

One must cease letting oneself be eaten when one tastes best: that is known to those who want to be loved long.

Every virtue inclines to stupidity, every stupidity to virtue; "stupid to the point of sanctity," they say in Russia, - let us be careful lest out of pure honesty we eventually become saints and bores!

The most dangerous follower is the one whose defection would destroy the whole party: hence, the best follower.