“Ultimately, it is the desire, not the desired, that we love.”

All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.

My solitude doesn’t depend on the presence or absence of people; on the contrary, I hate who steals my solitude without, in exchange, offering me true company.

The snake which cannot cast its skin has to die.

Man is something that shall be overcome. Man is a rope, tied between beast and overman – a rope over an abyss.

Whenever I climb I am followed by a dog called Ego.

Love is a state in which a man sees things most decidedly as they are not.

The higher we soar the smaller we appear to those who cannot fly.

And once you are awake, you shall remain awake eternally.

All things are subject to interpretation. Whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.

Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings — always darker, emptier and simpler.

Sometimes people don’t want to hear the truth because they don’t want their illusions destroyed.

The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything.

Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders.

A thought, even a possibility, can shatter and transform us.

I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance.

That which does not kill us makes us stronger.

In the sea there are countless treasures, But if you desire safety, it is on the shore.

Be not in the desire of thine own ease.

When all your desires are distilled; You will cast just two votes: To love more, And be happy.

Oh, Lord, nourish me not with love, but with the desire for love.

In adversity assume the countenance of prosperity, and in prosperity moderate the temper and desires.

I don’t pretend there aren’t biological differences, but I don’t believe the desire for leadership is hardwired biology, not the desire to win or excel. I believe that it’s socialization, that we’re socializing our daughters to nurture and our boys to lead.

Since my return to America my Master, has at the desire of my friends in England given me my freedom.

The desire to please those we admire and respect often cripples conscience.