One does not know - cannot know - the best that is in one.

The object of convalescence ought to be to turn our attention to life: at other times, simply to our tasks!

There are highly gifted spirits who are always infertile simply because, owing to a weakness in temperament, they are too impatient to wait out their pregnancy to term.

He who cannot obey himself will be commanded. That is the nature of living creatures.

From the State the exceptional individual cannot expect much. He is seldom benefited by being taken into its service; the only certain advantage it can give him is complete independence. Only real culture will prevent him being too early tired out or used up, and will spare him the exhausting struggle against culture-philistinism.

From whatever you wish to know and measure you must take your leave, at least for a time. Only when you have left the town can yousee how high its towers rise above the houses.

There would be no sunshine in society if the born flatterers, I mean the so-called amiable people, did not bring it in with them.