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.

To think historically is almost the same thing now as if in all ages history had been made according to theory.

And if you are not a bird, then beware of coming to rest above an abyss.

The love of one sole being is a barbarism; for it will be employed to the detriment of all the rest. So too the love of God.

Madness is not a consequence of uncertainty but of certainty.

I love him who maketh his virtue his inclination and destiny: thus, for the sake of his virtue, he is willing to live on, or live no more.

That whatever a man says, promises, or resolves in passion he must stick to later on when he is cold and sober--this demand is among the heaviest burdens that weigh on humankind.