One hears - one does not seek; one takes - one does not ask who gives.

The first opinion that occurs to us when we are suddenly asked about something is usually not our own but only the current one pertaining to our class, position, or parentage; our own opinions seldom swim on the surface.

If we train our conscience, it kisses us while it hurts

I need solitude, which is to say, recovery, return to my self, the breath of a free, light, playful air.

Love and hatred are not blind, but are blinded by the fire they bear within themselves.

Everything that is ponderous, vicious and pompously clumsy, all long-winded and wearying kinds of style, are developed in great variety among Germans.

Sometimes it is harder to accede to a thing than it is to see its truth.