The only thing of interest in a refuted system is the personal element. It alone is what is forever irrefutable. - Friedrich Nietzsche

Man has an invincible inclination to allow himself to be deceived and is, as it were, enchanted with happiness when the rhapsodist tells him epic fables as if they were true, or when the actor in the theater acts more royally than any real king. So long as it is able to deceive without injuring, that master of deception, the intellect, is free; it is released from its former slavery and celebrates its Saturnalia. It is never more luxuriant, richer, prouder, more clever and more daring.

The author must keep his mouth shut when his work starts to speak.

There's no defense against stupidity.