The sole work and deed of universal freedom is therefore death, a death too which has no inner significance or filling, for what is negated is the empty point of the absolutely free self. It is thus the coldest and meanest of all deaths, with no more significance than cutting off a head of cabbage or swallowing a mouthful of water.

All education is the art of making men ethical (sittlich), of transforming the old Adam into the new Adam.

Only one man ever understood me, and he didn't understand me

To him who looks upon the world rationally, the world in its turn presents a rational aspect. The relation is mutual.

The first glance at History convinces us that the actions of men proceed from their needs, their passions, their characters and talents; and impresses us with the belief that such needs, passions and interests are the sole spring of actions.

To be independent of public opinion is the first formal condition of achieving anything great.

An individual piece only has meaning when it is seen as part of the whole.