[W]hat counts is that one perceives excellence and dares to give it expression, which sounds little but is in fact a great deal.

Tolerance should really only be a passing attitude: it should lead to appreciation. To tolerate is to offend.

Every bird has its decoy, and every man is led and misled in his own peculiar way.

The man of understanding finds everything laughable.

All ages have said and repeated that one should strive to know one's self. This is a strange demand which no one up to now has measured up to and, strictly considered, no one should. With all their study and effort, people are directed to what is outside, to the world about them, and they are kept busy coming to know this and to master it to the extent that their purposes require. . . . How can you come to know yourself? Never by thinking, always by doing. Try to do your duty, and you'll know right away what you amount to. And what is your duty? Whatever the day calls for.

Where is the man who has the strength to be true, and to show himself as he is?

If I love you, what business is it of yours?