The discovery of the North Pole is one of those realities which could not be avoided. It is the wages which human perseverance pays itself when it thinks that something is taking too long. The world needed a discoverer of the North Pole, and in all areas of social activity, merit was less important here than opportunity.

In a hollow head there is much room for knowledge.

Heinrich Heine so loosened the corsets of the German language that today every little salesman can fondle her breasts.

He who sleeps half a day has won half a life.

I have to do this, as long as it is at all possible; for if those who are obliged to look after commas had always made sure they were in the right place, then Shanghai would not be burning.

My request that my writing be read twice has aroused great indignation. Unjustly so. After all, I do not ask that they be read once.

The agitator seizes the word. The artist is seized by it.