Madness is not a consequence of uncertainty but of certainty.

To get into just those situations where sham virtues will not suffice, but rather where, as with the ropedancer on his rope, one either falls or stands--or gets down.

A woman may very well form a friendship with a man, but for this to endure, it must be assisted by a little physical antipathy.

When art dresses itself in the most worn-out material it is most easily recognized as art.

A high civilization is a pyramid: it can stand only on a broad base; its primary prerequisite is a strong and soundly consolidated mediocrity.

There are two different types of people in the world, those who want to know, and those who want to believe.

One must have all the virtues to sleep well. Shall I bear false witness? Shall I commit adultery? Shall I covet my neighbor's maid? All that would go ill with good sleep.