It was modesty that invented the word "philosopher" in Greece and left the magnificent overweening presumption in calling oneselfwise to the actors of the spirit--the modesty of such monsters of pride and sovereignty as Pythagoras, as Plato.

Everyone carries within himself an image of womanliness derived from his mother: it is this that determines whether, on the whole,he will revere women, or despise them, or remain generally indifferent to them.

Sins are indispensable to every society organized on an ecclesiastical basis; they are the only reliable weapons of power; the priest lives upon sins; it is necessary to him that there be sinning.

The visionary lies to himself, the liar only to others.

I know of no better life purpose than to perish in attempting the great and the impossible.

The errors of great men are venerable because they are more fruitful than the truths of little men.

The command 'become hard! ', the deep conviction that all creators are hard, is the really distinctive sign of a Dionysian nature.