Whenever the truth is uncovered, the artist will always cling with rapt gaze to what still remains covering even after such uncovering; but the theoretical man enjoys and finds satisfaction in the discarded covering and finds the highest object of his pleasure in the process of an ever happy uncovering that succeeds through his own efforts.

He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk and run and climb and dance; one cannot fly into flying.

He who knoweth the reader, doeth nothing more for the reader. Another century of readers - and spirit itself will stink.

He who is usually self-sufficient becomes exceptionally vain and keenly alive to fame and praise when he is physically ill. The more he loses himself the more he has to endeavor to regain his position by means of the opinion of others.

The ability to suffer is a small matter - weak women and even slaves can acheive virtuosity in that.

Spirit is the life that itself cuts into life: with its own torment it increases its own knowledge. Did you already know that?

To die proudly when it is no longer possible to live proudly. Death freely chosen, death at the right time, brightly and cheerfully accomplished amid children and witnesses: then a real farewell is still possible, as the one who is taking leave is still there; also a real estimate of what one has wished, drawing the sum of one's life--all in opposition to the wretched and revolting comedy that Christianity has made of the hour of death.