Self-control means wanting to be effective at some random point in the infinite radiations of my spiritual existence.
Don Quixote’s misfortune is not his imagination, but Sancho Panza.
Tyranny or slavery, born of selfishness, are the two educational methods of parents; all gradations of tyranny or slavery.
There is nothing besides a spiritual world; what we call the world of the senses is the Evil in the spiritual world, and what we call Evil is only the necessity of a moment in our eternal evolution.
Sensual love deceives one as to the nature of heavenly love; it could not do so alone, but since it unconsciously has the element of heavenly love within it, it can do so.
The fact that our task is exactly commensurate with our life gives it the appearance of being infinite.
No sooner said than done – so acts your man of worth.
Martyrs do not underrate the body, they allow it to be elevated on the cross. In this they are at one with their antagonists.
If it had been possible to build the Tower of Babel without climbing it, it would have been permitted.
Heaven is dumb, echoing only the dumb.
The relationship to one’s fellow man is the relationship of prayer, the relationship to oneself is the relationship of striving; it is from prayer that one draws the strength for one’s striving.
We all have wings, but they have not been of any avail to us and if we could tear them off, we would do so.
The spirit becomes free only when it ceases to be a support.
One tells as few lies as possible only by telling as few lies as possible, and not by having the least possible opportunity to do so.
He who seeks does not find, but he who does not seek will be found.
Don’t despair, not even over the fact that you don’t despair.
It is often safer to be in chains than to be free.
All human errors are impatience, a premature breaking off of methodical procedure, an apparent fencing-in of what is apparently at issue.
I can once more carry on a conversation with myself, and don’t stare so into complete emptiness. Only in this way is there any possibility of improvement for me.
And so gentlemen, I learned. Oh, if you have to learn, you learn; if you’re desperate for a way out, you learn; you learn pitilessly. You stand over yourself with a whip in your hand; if there’s the least resistance, you lash yourself.