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.

Whoever aims publicly at great things and at length perceives secretly that he is too weak to achieve them, has usually also insufficient strength to renounce his aims publicly, and then inevitably becomes a hypocrite.

It is not when truth is dirty, but when it is shallow, that the lover of knowledge is reluctant to step into its waters.

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

Art is not merely an imitation of the reality of nature, but in truth a metaphysical supplement to the reality of nature, placed alongside thereof for its conquest.

All great men are play actors of their own ideal.

Assuming that rapture is nature's play with man, the Dionysian artist's creative activity is the play with rapture.