In intercourse with scholars and artists one readily makes mistakes of opposite kinds: in a remarkable scholar one not infrequently finds a mediocre man; and often, even in a mediocre artist, one finds a very remarkable man.

But eternal liveliness is what counts: what does "eternal life" matter, or life at all?

It is the privilege of greatness to confer intense happiness with insignificant gifts.

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.

I love him who justifieth the future ones, and redeemeth the past ones: for he is willing to succumb through the present ones.

If we make sacrifices in doing good or in doing ill, it does not alter the ultimate value of our actions; even if we stake our life in the cause, as martyrs do for the sake of our church : it is a sacrifice to our longing for power, or for the purpose of conserving our sense of power.

The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything.