The trodden worm curls up. This testifies to its caution. It thus reduces its chances of being trodden upon again. In the language of morality: Humility.

Every profound spirit needs a mask.

The humanity of famous intellectuals lies in being wrong with gracious courtesy when dealing with those who are not famous.

Every great love brings with it the cruel idea of killing the object of its love so that it may be removed once and for all from the wicked game of change: for love dreads change even more than annihilation.

Mastery has been achieved when one neither makes a mistake nor hesitates in the performance.

Be careful when you cast out your demons that you don’t throw away the best of yourself.

There are people who are so presumptuous that they know no other way to praise a greatness that they publicly admire than by representing it as a preliminary stage and bridge leading to themselves.