A superstition which pretends to be scientific creates a much greater confusion of thought than one which contents itself with simple popular practices.

History is the interpretation of the significance that the past has for us.

We are living in a demented world. And we know it. It would not come as a surprise to anyone if tomorrow the madness gave way to afrenzy which would leave our poor Europe in a state of distracted stupor, with engines still turning and flags streaming in the breeze, but with the spirit gone.

The second fundamental feature of culture is that all culture has an element of striving.

In Europe art has to a large degree taken the place of religion. In America it seems rather to be science.

An aristocratic culture does not advertise its emotions. In its forms of expression it is sober and reserved. Its general attitude is stoic.

You only live a short time... and you are dead a long time.