As the ancient commander addressed his soldiers before battle, so should the moralist speak to men in the struggle of the era.

A definition of poetry can only determine what poetry should be and not what poetry actually was and is; otherwise the most concise formula would be: Poetry is that which at some time and some place was thus named.

There are writers in Germany who drink the Absolute like water; and there are books in which even the dogs make references to the Infinite.

In order to be able to write well upon a subject, one must have ceased to be interested in it; the thought which is to be soberlyexpressed must already be entirely past and no longer be one's actual concern.

About no subject is there less philosophizing than about philosophy.

In many a poetic work, one gets here and there, instead of representation merely a title indicating that this or that was supposedto be represented here, that the artist has been prevented from doing it and most humbly asks to be kindly excused.

Ideas are infinite, original, and lively divine thoughts.