This is what is hardest: to close the open hand because one loves.

It is very noble hypocrisy not to talk of one's self.

Character is determined more by the lack of certain experiences than by those one has had.

Seducing one's neighbor to a good opinion and then afterwards believing devoutly in this neighbor's opinion--who can match women in this clever ploy?

Great things demand that we either remain silent about them or speak in a great manner: in a great manner, that is-cynically and with innocence.

Christianity has the rancor of the sick at its very core-the instinct against the healthy, against health. Everything that is well-constructed, proud, gallant and, above all, beautiful gives offense to its ears and eyes.

'God himself cannot exist without wise men' - Luther said, and was right. But 'God can exist even less without unwise men' - that good old Luther did not say.