No wise combatant underestimates their antagonist.

No matter what one says, you can recognize only those matters that are equal to you. Only rulers who possess extraordinary abilities will recognize and esteem properly extraordinary abilities in their subjects and servants.

We are forced to participate in the games of life before we can possibly learn how to use the options in the rules governing them.

It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it.

Mediocrity has no greater consolation than in the thought that genius is not immortal.

When one is polite in German, one lies.

What a torment it is to see so much loveliness passing and repassing before us, and yet not dare to lay hold of it!