The transition from Religion to Scientific contemplation is a violent, dangerous leap, which is not to be recommended. In order to make this transition, art is far rather to be employed to relieve the mind overburdened with emotions. Out of the illogical comes much good. It is so firmly rooted in the passions, in language, in art, in religion, and generally in everything which gives value to life. It is only the naive people who can believe that the nature of man can be changed into a purely logical one. We have yet to learn that others can suffer, and this can never be completely learned.

...one can speak with the utmost clearness, and yet not be heard by anyone.

The golden fleece of self-sufficiency guards against cudgel- blows but not against pin-pricks.

The parasites live where the great have little secret sores.

Regarding life, the wisest men of all ages have judged alike: it is worthless.

Speaking generally, punishment hardens and numbs, it produces concentration, it sharpens the consciousness of alienation, it strengthens the power of resistance.

Human existence basically is──a never to be completed imperfect tense.