The world acquires value only through its extremes and endures only through moderation; extremists make the world great, the moderates give it stability.

The great virtues of the German people have created more evils than idleness ever did vices

An attitude of permanent indignation signifies great mental poverty. Politics compels it votaries to take that line and you can see their minds growing more impoverished every day, from one burst of righteous indignation to the next.

Man's great misfortune is that he has no organ, no kind of eyelid or brake, to mask or block a thought, or all thought, when he wants to.

The folly of mistaking oneself for an oracle is built right into us.

History is the science of things which are not repeated.

Poe is the only impeccable writer. He was never mistaken.