We talk so abstractly about poetry because all of us are usually bad poets.

Illusions are certainly expensive amusements; but the destruction of illusions is still more expensive, if looked upon as an amusement, as it undoubtedly is by some people.

You may have enemies whom you hate, but not enemies whom you despise. You must be proud of your enemy: then the success of your enemy shall be your success too.

And so do you suppose it must be a piece-work because it has been given to you (and could only be given to you) in pieces?

The better the state is established, the fainter is humanity. To make the individual uncomfortable, that is my task.

To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.

Life without music is no life at all.