A philosophical mythology lies concealed in language, which breaks out again at every moment, no matter how cautious we may be.

The misunderstanding of passion and reason, as if the latter were an independent entity and not rather a system of relations between various passions and desires; and as if every passion did not possess its quantum of reason.

After coming into contact with a religious man I always feel I must wash my hands.

The definition of morality: Morality is the idiosyncrasy of decadents having the hidden desire to revenge themselves upon life - and being successful.

Our knowledge will take its revenge on us, just as ignorance exacted its revenge during the Middle Ages.

The most intelligent men, like the strongest, find their happiness where others would find only disaster: in the labyrinth, in being hard with themselves and with others, in effort; their delight is self-mastery; in them asceticism becomes second nature, a necessity, as instinct.

Ultimately, it is the desire, not the desired, that we love.