So far no one had had enough courage and intelligence to reveal me to my dear Germans. My problems are new, my psychological horizon frighteningly comprehensive, my language bold and clear; there may well be no books written in German which are richer in ideas and more independent than mine.

Style ought to prove that one believes in an idea; not only that one thinks it but also feels it.

The complete irresponsibility of man for his actions and his nature is the bitterest drop which he who understands must swallow.

The advocates of a criminal are seldom artists enough to turn the beautiful terribleness of the deed to the advantage of the doer.

When I seek another word for 'music', I never find any other word than 'Venice'

Someone who does not write books, who thinks a lot, and who lives in unsatisfying society will usually be a good letter- writer.

The architect represents neither a Dionysian nor an Apollinian condition: here it is the mighty act of will, the will which moves mountains, the intoxication of the strong will, which demands artistic expression. The most powerful men have always inspired the architects; the architect has always been influenced by power.