With regard to philosophical metaphysics, I always see increasing numbers who have attained to the negative goal, but as yet few who climb a few rungs backwards; one ought to look out, perhaps, over the last steps of the ladder, but not try to stand upon them.

Cynicism is the only form in which base souls approach honesty.

I have learned to walk: since then I have run. I have learned to fly: since then I do not have to be pushed in order to move. Now I am nimble, now I fly, now I see myself under myself, now a god dances within me.

How much truth can a spirit bear, how much truth can a spirit dare? ... that became for me more and more the real measure of value.

Happiness is the feeling that power increases - that resistance is being overcome.

What is the task of higher education? To make a man into a machine. What are the means employed? He is taught how to suffer being bored.

He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.