It is only kindred griefs that draw forth our tears, and each weeps really for himself.

The swan, like the soul of the poet, By the dull world is ill understood.

God has given us speech in order that we may say pleasant things to our friends, and tell bitter truths to our enemies.

In dark ages people are best guided by religion, as in a pitch-black night a blind man is the best guide; he knows the roads and paths better than a man who can see. When daylight comes, however, it is foolish to use blind, old men as guides.

We know only that our entire existence is forced into new paths and disrupted, that new circumstances, new joys and new sorrows await us, and that the unknown has its uncanny attractions, alluring and at the same time anguishing.

Music played at weddings always reminds me of the music played for soldiers before they go into battle.

Pretty women without religion are like flowers without perfume.