All modern philosophizing is political, policed by governments, churches, academics, custom, fashion, and human cowardice, all off which limit it to a fake learnedness.

It is only when we have ceased to be the followers of our followers that we comprehend how meaningless followers are.

Digressions, objections, delight in mockery, carefree mistrust are signs of health.

Should not the giver be thankful that the receiver received? Is not giving a need? Is not receiving, mercy?

love as a passion—it is our European specialty—must absolutely be of noble origin; as is well known, its invention is due to the Provencal poet-cavaliers, those brilliant, ingenious men of the "gai saber," to whom Europe owes so much, and almost owes itself.

The woman and the genius do not work. Up to now, woman has been mankind's supreme luxury. In all those moments when we do our best, we do not work. Work is merely a means to these moments.

Live dangerously. Build your cities on the slopes of Vesuvius.