In magnanimity there is the same amount of egoism as in revenge, but egoism of a different quality.

One must still have chaos in oneself to be able to give birth to a dancing star.

But thus do I counsel you, my friends: distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful! Distrust all those who talk much of their justice!

What destroys a man more quickly than to work, think and feel without inner necessity, without any deep personal desire, without pleasure - as a mere automaton of duty?

In the knowledge of truth, what really matters is the possession of it, not the impulse under which it was sought.

THE SLOW ARROW OF BEAUTY. The noblest kind of beauty is that which does not transport us suddenly, which does not make stormy and intoxicating impressions such a kind easily arouses disgust but that which slowly filters into our minds.

What is life? A continuous praise and blame.