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.

We are franker towards others than towards ourselves.

To forget one's purpose is the commonest form of stupidity.

As a human being Plato mingles regal, exclusive, and self-contained features with melancholy compassion.

He who laughs best today, will also laughs last.

It is far pleasanter to injure and afterwards beg forgiveness than to be injured and grant forgiveness. He who does the former gives evidence of power and afterwards of kindness of character.

Perhaps man will rise ever higher as soon as he ceases to flow out into a god.