We often feel that we lack something, and seem to see that very quality in someone else, promptly attributing all our own qualities to him too, and a kind of ideal contentment as well. And so the happy mortal is a model of complete perfection--which we have ourselves created.

Plunge boldly into the thick of life!

A great artist... must be shaken by the naked truths that will not be comforted. This divine discontent, this disequilibrium, this state of inner tension is the source of artistic energy.

It is a mistake for a taciturn, serious-minded woman to marry a jovial man, but not for a serious-minded man to marry a lighthearted woman.

He who serves the public is a poor animal; he worries himself to death and no one thanks him for it.

The most damaging prejudice consists of banning any kind of investigation of nature.

Prudent and active men, who know their strength and use it with limit and circumspection, alone go far in the affairs of the world.