The moment Germany rises as a great power, France gains a new importance as a cultural power.

In art the end does not sanctify the means: but sacred means employed here can sanctify the end.

And nobody lies as much as the indignant do.

And when your soul becometh great, then doth it become haughty, and in your sublimity there is wickedness.

Extreme positions are not succeeded by moderate ones but by extreme positions of the opposite kind.

When, however, you have an enemy, then do not requite him good for evil: for that would shame him. Instead, prove that he did some good for you. And rather be angry than put to shame! And when you are cursed, I do not like it that you want to bless. Rather curse a little also! And if you are done a great injustice, then quickly add five small ones. Hideous to behold is he who is obsessed with an injustice.

Principle of "Christian love": it insists upon being well paid in the end.