A nation that still believes in itself holds fast to its own god.

To explore the whole sphere of the modern soul, to have sat in every nook- my ambition, my torture, and my happiness

We are unknown to ourselves, we men of knowledge - and with good reason. We have never sought ourselves - how could it happen that we should ever find ourselves? It has rightly been said: "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"; our treasure is where the beehives of our knowledge are.

I know no other way to associate with great tasks than as play: as a sign of greatness, this is an essential presupposition.

Sensuality often makes love grow too quickly, so that the root remains weak and is easy to pull out.

You look up when you wish to be exalted. And I look down because I am exalted.

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.