All mankind is divided, as it was at all times and is still, into slaves and freemen; for whoever has not two-thirds of his day for himself is a slave, be he otherwise whatever he likes, statesman, merchant, official, or scholar.
Against war it may be said that it makes the victor stupid and the vanquished revengeful. In favour of war it may be said that it barbarises in both its above-named results, and thereby makes more natural; it is the sleep or the winter period of culture; man emerges from it with greater strength for good and for evil.
Against tedium even the Gods struggle in vain.
After coming in contact with a religious man, I always feel that I must wash my hands.
A young man can be most surely corrupted when he is taught to value the like-minded more highly than the differently minded.
A plaything let woman be, pure and fine like the precious stone, illumined with the virtues of a world not yet come.
A pair of powerful spectacles has sometimes sufficed to cure a person in love.
A man who strives after great things, looks upon every one whom he encounters on his way either as a means of advance, or a delay and hindrance—or as a temporary resting-place.
A good wind? Ah, he only who knoweth whither he saileth, knoweth what wind is good, and a fair wind for him.
A good author possesses not only his own intellect, but also that of his friends.
“This – is now my way, – where is yours?” Thus did I answer those who asked me “the way.” For the way – it doth not exist!
“Belief” means not-wishing-to-know what is true.