All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.

The earth has become small, and on it hops the last man, who makes everything small. His race can no more be exterminated than the flea can be. The last man lives the longest.

Since men do not really respect anything unless it was established long ago and has developed slowly over time, those who want tokeep on living after their death must take worry not only about their future generations but even more about their past: that is why tyrants of all kinds (including tyrannical artists and politicians) like to do violence to history, so that it will appear as a preparation and stepladder to themselves.

The charm of the Platonic mode of thought ... consisted precisely in the resistance to the obvious evidence of the senses.

I love him who reserveth no share of spirit for himself, but wanteth to be wholly the spirit of his virtue: thus walketh he as spirit over the bridge.

There are men who desire power simply for the sake of the happiness it will bring; these belong chiefly to political parties.

The snake that cannot shed its skin perishes.