No man learns to know his inmost nature by introspection, for he rates himself sometimes too low, and often too high, by his own measurement. Man knows himself only by comparing himself with other men; it is life that touches his genuine worth.

I have often reaped what others have sowed. My work is the work of a collective being that bears the name Goethe.

It is in vain that a man of sound mind and cool temper understands the condition of such a wretched being... He can no more communicate his own wisdom to him than a healthy man can instil his strength into the invalid by whose bedside he is seated.

I am the spirit that negates. And rightly so, for all that comes to be Deserves to perish wretchedly; 'Twere better nothing would begin. Thus everything that that your terms, sin, Destruction, evil represent— That is my proper element.

The heights charm us, but the steps do not; with the mountain in our view we love to walk the plains.

One ought, everyday, to hear a song, read a fine poem, and, if possible, to speak a few reasonable words.

Where confidence is wanting, the most beautiful flower in the garland of love is missing.