From what the moderns want, we must learn what poetry should become; from what the ancients did, what poetry must be.

As the ancient commander addressed his soldiers before battle, so should the moralist speak to men in the struggle of the era.

Nothing truly convincing - which would possess thoroughness, vigor, and skill - has been written against the ancients as yet; especially not against their poetry.

Duty is for Kant the One and All. Out of the duty of gratitude, he claims, one has to defend and esteem the ancients; and only out of duty has he become a great man.

Versatility of education can be found in our best poetry, but the depth of mankind should be found in the philosopher.

Nothing is more witty and grotesque than ancient mythology and Christianity; that is because they are so mystical.