He who serves the public is a poor animal; he worries himself to death and no one thanks him for it. [Ger., Wer dem Publicum dient, ist ein armes Thier; Er qualt sich ab, niemand bedankt sich dafur.]

I wish the crowd to feel itself well treated, Especially since it lives and lets me live. [Ger., Ich wunschte sehr, der Menge zu behagen, Besonders weil sie lebt und leben lasst.]

How to please the public - that's the test,
But nowadays I find I'm in a fix;
I know they're not accustomed to the best,
But they've all read so much they know the tricks.
How can we give then something fresh and new
That's serious, but entertaining too?

Deeply earnest and thoughtful people stand on shaky footing with the public.

The formation of one's character ought to be everyone's chief aim.

It is in human nature to relax, when not compelled by personal advantage or disadvantage.