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Whoever does not know (or at least does not feel) what distinctions must be made between these words, the beautiful and beauty, the true and truth, the ideal and the abstract, is a poor metaphysician.
December 25.
Man likes to move what is movable and vary what is variable. Thus each century stamps some change on each language; and moreover, the same spirit of invention that created languages deteriorates them by persisting always.
It is trying to cure the sick with great sword blows; it is dressing their wounds with blows of a stick.
Whoever is never a dupe is no friend.
There are many faults one never has when entirely alone, or simply alone with one other person. Thus they can be perceived only in circles or assemblies.
By the world I mean the world, and not a small number of coteries.
December 26.
Of what is needed to live with others — and — of what is needed to live with oneself.
... their faults as late as one can.
... the tiring style of a man who thinks too many things at once.
In speaking to the public. uncertainty: one does not know whom one is speaking to. Thus all eloquence is feigned if one does not see one’s hearers.
December 27.
Perhaps he is right (Scaliger); and that indeed one must speak of the wonders of art in an adorned manner conforming to art, and of the wonders of nature in a simple, naked manner conforming to nature.
In Voltaire and Lucian there is comedy and more often literary farce.