Thus I spoke, more and more softly; for I was afraid of my own thoughts and the thoughts behind my thoughts.

But strangers and the poor may pluck for themselves the fruit from my tree: that causes less shame. But beggars should be entirely done away with! Truly, it annoys one to give to them and it annoys one not to give to them.

The noble man wants to create something new and a new virtue. The good want the old, and that old should be preserved.

You love your virtue as the mother her child; but when was it heard of a mother wanting to be paid for her love?

This crown of the laughter, the rosary crown: to you, my brothers, I throw this crown! I pronounced laughter holy: you higher men, learn — to laugh!

And he who would not languish among men, must learn to drink out of all glasses; and he who would keep clean among men, must know how to wash himself even with dirty water.