Friedrich Nietzsche

It is perhaps just dawning on five or six minds that physics, too, is only an interpretation and exegesis of the world (to suit us, if I may say so!) and not a world-explanation.

For what purpose humanity is there should not even concern us: why you are here, that you should ask yourself: and if you have no ready answer, then set for yourself goals, high and noble goals, and perish in pursuit of them!

It is terrible to die of thirst in the ocean. Do you have to salt your truth so heavily that it does not even-quench thirst any more?

Men are even lazier than they are timorous, and what they fear most is the troubles with which any unconditional honesty and nudity would burden them.

Art is the highest task and the proper metaphysical activity of this life.

Pathetic attitudes are not in keeping with greatness.

So far no one had had enough courage and intelligence to reveal me to my dear Germans. My problems are new, my psychological horizon frighteningly comprehensive, my language bold and clear; there may well be no books written in German which are richer in ideas and more independent than mine.

In true love it is the soul that envelops the body.

Our writing equipment takes part in forming our thoughts.

...the only psychologist from whom I have anything to learn.

Exhaustion is the shortest way to equality and fraternity.

Christianity is called the religion of pity.

For men are not equal: thus speaks justice.

Ultimately one loves one's desires and not that which is desired.

THE TEACHER AS A NECESSARY EVIL. Let us have as few people as possible between the productive minds and the hungry and recipient minds! The middlemen almost unconsciously adulterate the food which they supply. It is because of teachers that so little is learned, and that so badly.

The definition of morality: Morality is the idiosyncrasy of decadents having the hidden desire to revenge themselves upon life - and being successful.

He who is dissatisfied with himself is continually ready for revenge and we others will be his victims, if only in having always to endure his ugly sight. For the sight of the ugly makes one bad and gloomy.

For our self respect depends upon our ability to make requital, for good or for evil.

In revenge and in love, woman is more barbarous than man.

A man who has depths in his shame meets his destiny and his delicate decisions upon paths which few ever reach . . .

Pity makes suffering contagious.