The burden of suffering seems a tombstone hung about our necks, while in reality it is only the weight which is necessary to keep down the diver while he is hunting for pearls.

The German language is the organ among the languages.

There is a joy in sorrow which none but a mourner can know.

In science the new is an advance; but in morals, as contradicting our inner ideals and historic idols, it is ever a retrogression.

Never write on a subject without first having read yourself full on it; and never read on a subject till you have thought yourself hungry on it.

Humankind's chief fault is that they have so many small ones.

Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wing of time.