We talk about taking "pleasure in a thing": but in truth it is pleasure in ourselves, mediated by a thing.

Our vanity desires that what we do best should be considered what is hardest for us.

When you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you.

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

We would not let ourselves be burned to death for our opinions: we are not sure enough of them for that.

I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.

Under peaceful conditions a warlike man sets upon himself.