We criticize a man or a book most sharply when we sketch out their ideal.

Even the bravest only rarely have courage for what they really know.

Christianity is called the religion of pity.

When Zarathustra was alone . . . he said to his heart: "Could it be possible! This old saint in the forest hath not yet heard of it, that God is dead!"

Over immense periods of time the intellect produced nothing but errors. A few of these proved to be useful and helped to preserve the species: those who hit upon or inherited these had better luck in their struggle for themselves and their progeny. Such erroneous articles of faith... include the following: that there are things, substances, bodies; that a thing is what it appears to be; that our will is free; that what is good for me is also good in itself.

Be careful, lest in casting out your demon you exorcise the best thing in you.

He who possesses greatness is cruel towards his secondary virtues and considerations.