When you’re an artist, you have to be cool with being uncomfortable, pretty much all the time.

Denn die Dichtung als ein überzeitliches und übernationales Gut geht über alles Wissen und über alle Geschichte hinaus. In ihr ist ein Erbe der Menschheit auf uns gekommen, das uns mit den Grundlagen der Kultur verbindet. Unser Verhältnis zu ihr ist ein Urteil über uns selbst.

 

A little later, Cocceius Nerva, the inseparable friend of the emperor, versed in all law divine or secular, his position intact, his health unimpaired, adopted the resolution of dying. Tiberius, on discovering the fact, sat down by his side, inquired his reasons, proceeded to entreaties, and in the last resort confessed that it would be a serious matter for his conscience and a serious matter for his reputation, if the nearest of his friends were to flee from life with no motive for dying. Declining all conversation, Nerva continued his abstention from food till the end. It was stated by those acquainted with his thoughts that, moved by his closer view of the calamities of his country, he had, in indignation and fear, whilst yet unscathed, yet unassailed, decided for an honourable end.

 

Keinen sozialen Anschluss zu haben, also kein Glied in dieser Kette von bindenden Wechselbeziehungen, Entschuldigungen und Kompromissen zu sein, das bedeutet ein ausserordentlich hohes und vielleicht das einzige menschliche Gut: die geistige Freiheit.