Chess is the touchstone of intellect.

Music is so elevated that it is beyond the reach of intellect and there flows from it an influence which is all-potent, and which noone can explain.

He who wishes to exert a useful influence must be careful to insult nothing. Let him not be troubled by what seems absurd, but concentrate his energies to the creation of what is good. He must not demolish, but build. He must raise temples where mankind may come and partake of the purest pleasure.

A man may twist as he pleases, and do what he pleases, but he inevitably comes back to the track to which nature has destined him.

The aim of living is life itself.

Patriotism ruins history.

The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.