if we possess a why of life we can put up with almost any how. - Friedrich Nietzsche

It is true that there are men who, on the approach of severe pain, hear the very opposite call of command, and never appear more proud, more martial, or more happy than when the storm is brewing; indeed, pain itself provides them with their supreme moments! These are the heroic men, the great pain-bringers of mankind: those few and rare ones who need just the same apology as pain generally — and verily, it should not be denied them. They are forces of the greatest importance for preserving and advancing the species, be it only because they are opposed to smug ease, and do not conceal their disgust at this kind of happiness.

Even the most courageous among us only rarely has the courage to face what he already knows.

Of what is great one must either be silent or speak with greatness. With greatness — that means cynically and with innocence.