Nothing is too high for a man to reach, but he must climb with care and confidence

If you looked down to the bottom of my soul, you would understand fully the source of my longing and – pity me. Even the open, transparent lake has its unknown depths, which no divers know.

The whole world is a series of miracles, but we're so used to them we call them ordinary things.

I covet honour in the same way as a miser covets gold.

Being born in a duck yard does not matter, if only you are hatched from a swan's egg.

Eighty percent of our criminals come from unsympathetic homes.

I have shed pewter tears! It is too melancholy! Rather let me go to the wars and lose arms and legs! It would at least be a change. I cannot bear it longer! Now, I know what it is to have a visit from one's old thoughts, with what they may bring with them! I have had a visit from mine, and you may be sure it is no pleasant thing in the end; I was at last about to jump down from the drawers.