We are terrified by the idea of being terrified.

Through searching out origins, one becomes a crab. The historian looks backwards, and finally he also believes backwards.

Weariness is the shortest path to equality and fraternity-and finally liberty is bestowed by sleep.

Rejoicing in our joy, not suffering over our suffering, makes someone a friend.

When you look into an abyss, the abyss also looks into you.

Books that teach us to dance: There are writers who, by portraying the impossible as possible, and by speaking of morality and genius as if both were high-spirited freedom, as if man were rising up on tiptoe and simply had to dance out of inner pleasure.

Do not paint a picture either of God or the devil on your walls: this will ruin both your walls and the atmosphere.