“Our virtues and our failings are inseparable, like force and matter. When they separate, man is no more.”

Twilight of the Idols (1888)
Context: How is freedom measured, in individuals as in nations? By the resistance which must be overcome, by the effort [Mühe] it costs to remain on top. The highest type of free men should be sought where the highest resistance is constantly overcome: five steps from tyranny, close to the threshold of the danger of servitude. This is true psychologically if by "tyrants" are meant inexorable and dreadful instincts that provoke the maximum of authority and discipline against themselves — most beautiful type: Julius Caesar —; this is true politically too; one need only go through history. The nations which were worth something, became worth something, never became so under liberal institutions: it was great danger that made something of them that merits respect. Danger alone acquaints us with our own resources, our virtues, our armor and weapons, our spirit — and forces us to be strong...

As quoted in Queers in History : The Comprehensive Encyclopedia of Historical Gays (2009), by Keith Stern, p. 465.

2000s, 2009, Farewell speech to the nation (January 2009)

Life in the Industry: A Musician's Diary

No. 43
Characteristics, in the manner of Rochefoucauld's Maxims (1823)

Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790)

Presidential debate with Jimmy Carter (28 October 1980)
1980s