Karl Kraus Quotes

The real truths are those that can be invented.

One shouldn't learn more than what one absolutely needs against life.

We are sacrificing ourselves for our ready-made goods; we are consumers and live in such a way that the means may consume the end.

True jealously wants not only fidelity, but the proof of fidelity as an imaginable situation. A jealous man is not content with his beloved not being unfaithful. Precisely that which he is not doing does not leave him in peace. But since there is no proving what is not done and the jealous man insists on proof, he ends up settling on proof of unfaithfulness.

The world is a prison in which solitary confinement is preferable.

I would have stage-fright if I had to speak with every one of the people before whom I speak.

When someone has behaved like an animal, he says: "I'm only human!" But when he is treated like an animal, he says: "I'm human, too!"

One of the most widespread diseases is diagnosis.

Squeeze human nature into a straitjacket of criminal justice and crime will appear!

How is the world ruled and led to war? Diplomats lie to journalists and believe these lies when they see them in print.

My language is the common prostitute that I turn into a virgin.

Many things I am experiencing I already remember.

Christianity has enriched the erotic meal with the appetizer of curiosity and the dessert of remorse.

Sexuality poorly repressed unsettles some families; well repressed, it unsettles the whole world.

My unconscious knows more about the consciousness of the psychologist than his consciousness knows about my unconscious.