If the essence of cynicism consists in preferring nature to art, virtue to beauty and science; in not bothering about the letter of things -- to which the Stoic strictly adheres -- but in looking up to the spirit of things; in absolute contempt of all economic values and political splendor, and in courageous defence of the rights of independent freedom; then Christianity would be nothing but universal cynicism.

Wit as an instrument of revenge is as infamous as art is as a means of sensual titillation.

The obsession with moderation is the spirit of castrated narrow-mindedness.

Novels tend to end as the Paternoster begins: with the kingdom of God on earth.

Genius is, to be sure, not a matter of arbitrariness, but rather of freedom, just as wit, love, and faith, which once shall become arts and disciplines. We should demand genius from everybody, without, however, expecting it.

Irony is the form of paradox. Paradox is what is good and great at the same time.

Every complete man has his genius. True virtue is genius.