When an idea is just rising on the horizon, the soul's temperature with respect to it is usually very cold. Only gradually does the idea develop its warmth, and it is hottest (which is to say, exerting its greatest influence) when belief in the idea is already once again in decline.

To be the equal of one's opponent-this is the first condition of an honourable duel.

Humility has the toughest hide.

It was the sick and decaying who despised the body and earth and invented the heavenly realm and the redemptive drops of blood: but they took even these sweet and gloomy poisons from body and earth. They wanted to escape their own misery, and the stars were too far for them.

That which an age considers evil is usually an unseasonable echo of what was formerly considered good - the atavism of an old ideal.

Pity is the most agreeable feeling among those who have little pride and no prospects of great conquests.

The final reward of the dead - to die no more