The heart needs not for its heaven much space, nor many stars therein, if only the star of love has arisen.

In later life, as in earlier, only a few persons influence the formation of our character; the multitude pass us by like a distant army. One friend, one teacher, one beloved, one club, one dining table, one work table are the means by which one's nation and the spirit of one's nation affect the individual.

Nations and men are only the best when they are the gladdest, and deserve heaven when they enjoy it.

The German language is the organ among the languages.

He thought of the mouldering child, which laid its withered thin arms around his soul, as if it were his own, and to whom Death had given as much as a god gave to Endymion, — sleep, eternal youth, and immortality.

Like the greatest virtue and the worst dogs, the fiercest hatred is silent.

It is easier and handier for men to flatter than to praise.