Where there is the tree of knowledge, there is always Paradise: so say the most ancient and most modern serpents.

Of all evil I deem you capable: Therefore I want good from you. Verily, I have often laughed at the weaklings who thought themselves good because they had no claws.

Unexplained, obscure matters are regarded as more important than explained, clear ones.

He who obeys, does not listen to himself!

as though "the Truth" were such an innocent and incompetent creature as to require protectors!

Around the hero everything turns into a tragedy, around the demigod, a satyr-play, and around God--what? perhaps a "world"?

And nobody lies as much as the indignant do.