Civilization began the first time an angry person cast a word instead of a rock.

As regards intellectual work it remains a fact, indeed, that great decisions in the realm of thought and momentous discoveries and solutions of problems are only possible to an individual, working in solitude.

Whoever loves becomes humble. Those who love have, so to speak, pawned a part of their narcissism.

Sexual morality - as society in its extreme form, the American, defines it - is contemptible. I advocate an incomparably freer sexual life.

What progress we are making. In the Middle Ages they would have burned me. Now they are content with burning my books.

I have no concern with any economic criticisms of the communist system; I cannot inquire into whether the abolition of private property is expedient or advantageous. But I am able to recognize that the psychological premisses on which the system is based are an untenable illusion. In abolishing private property we deprive the human love of aggression of one of its instruments... but we have in no way altered the differences in power and influence which are misused by aggressiveness.

Cruelty and intolerance to those who do not belong to it are natural to every religion.