“We grow hostile to many an artist or writer, not because we finally come to see he has deceived us, but because he thought no subtler means were required to ensnare us.”

—Human, All Too Human, “Assorted Opinions and Maxims,” §250.

“To elude boredom man either works harder than is required to satisfy his other needs or he invents play, but he may become tired of play and longs for a third condition which stands in the same relation to play as floating does to dancing and dancing to walking. This third condition is a state of serene agitation; the vision of happiness for the artist and the philosopher.”

—Human, All Too Human: Vol. 1, §611 (edited excerpt).

“In regard to knowledge of truths, the artist possesses a weaker morality than the thinker; he does not wish to be deprived of the glittering, profound interpretations of life and guards against simple and sober methods and results.”

—Human, All Too Human: Vol. 1, §146 (excerpt).