To receive applause for works which do not demand all our powers hinders our advance towards a perfecting of our spirit. It usually means that thereafter we stand still. G. C. Lichtenberg More Quotes by G. C. Lichtenberg More Quotes From G. C. Lichtenberg Affectation is a very good word when someone does not wish to confess to what he would none the less like to believe of himself. G. C. Lichtenberg I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better. G. C. Lichtenberg I am always grieved when a man of real talent dies, for the world needs such men more than heaven does. G. C. Lichtenberg Everyone is a genius at least once a year. The real geniuses simply have their bright ideas closer together. G. C. Lichtenberg A person reveals his character by nothing so clearly as the joke he resents. G. C. Lichtenberg Nothing is more conducive to peace of mind than not having any opinions at all. G. C. Lichtenberg Actual aristocracy cannot be abolished by any law all the law can do is decree how it is to be imparted and who is to acquire it. G. C. Lichtenberg Before we blame, we should first see if we can't excuse. G. C. Lichtenberg He was then in his fifty-fourth year, when even in the case of poets reason and passion begin to discuss a peace treaty and usually conclude it not very long afterwards. G. C. Lichtenberg He who is in love with himself has at least this advantage he won't encounter many rivals. G. C. Lichtenberg It is in the gift for employing all the vicissitudes of life to one's own advantage and to that of one's craft that a large part of genius consists. G. C. Lichtenberg Man can acquire accomplishments or he can become an animal, whichever he wants. God makes the animals, man makes himself. G. C. Lichtenberg The sure conviction that we could if we wanted to is the reason so many good minds are idle. G. C. Lichtenberg There are people who think that everything one does with a serious face is sensible. G. C. Lichtenberg To read means to borrow to create out of one's readings is paying off one's debts. G. C. Lichtenberg