From the State the exceptional individual cannot expect much. He is seldom benefited by being taken into its service; the only certain advantage it can give him is complete independence. Only real culture will prevent him being too early tired out or used up, and will spare him the exhausting struggle against culture-philistinism.

At the bottom of all these noble races the beast of prey, the splendid blond beast, prowling about avidly in search of spoil and victory.

A lack of the historical sense is the hereditary fault of all philosophers.

Sometimes people don't want to hear the truth because they don't want their illusions destroyed.

It is only those who know how to feel that "this is not good" who devise improvements.

Discontent is the seed of ethics.

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