Irony limits, finitizes, and circumscribes and thereby yields truth, actuality, content; it disciplines and punishes and thereby yields balance and consistency.

For without risk there is no faith, and the greater the risk, the greater the faith.

It is impossible to exist without passion

To grumble about the world and its unhappiness is always easier than to beat one's breast and groan over oneself.

Most people rush after pleasure so fast that they rush right past it.

The self-assured believer is a greater sinner in the eyes of God than the troubled disbeliever.

Who is also aware of the tremendous risk involved in faith - when he nevertheless makes the leap of faith - this [is] subjectivity ... at its height.