Karl Kraus Quotes

Education is what most people receive, many pass on, and few have.

The development of technology will leave only one problem: the infirmity of human nature.

I hear noises which others don't hear and which disturb for me the music of the spheres, which others don't hear either.

Der Fortschritt feiert Pyrrhussiege über die Natur.

Solitude would be an ideal state if one were able to pick the people one avoids.

The real truths are those that can be invented.

When I read, it is not acted literature; but what I write is written acting.

Everyone is stopped and waiting, maitre d's, hansom cab drivers and governments. Everyone's waiting for the end. Let's hope the apocalypse is pleasant, Your Highness.

It so often happened to me that someone who shared my opinion kept the larger share for himself that I am now forewarned and offer people only ideas.

The immorality of men triumphs over the amorality of women.

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

I have often been asked to be fair and view a matter from all sides. I did so, hoping something might improve if I viewed all sides of it. But the result was the same. So I went back to viewing things only from one side, which saves me a lot of work and disappointment. For it is comforting to regard something as bad and be able use one's prejudice as an excuse.

War is at first, the hope that one will be better off; next, the expectation that the other fellow will be worse off; then, the satisfaction that the other fellow isn't any better off; and, finally, the surprise at everyone's being worse off.

Psychoanalysis is that mental illness for which it regards itself as therapy.

Nestroy's words ought to apply to an artist and an idea: "I have made a prisoner, and he won't let go of me!"