Karl Kraus Quotes

My language is the common prostitute that I turn into a virgin.

In case of doubt decide in favor of what is correct.

Stupidity is an elemental force for which no earthquake is a match.

The world is a prison in which solitary confinement is preferable.

The devil is an optimist if he thinks he can make people worse than they are.

Chastity always takes its toll. In some it produces pimples; in others, sex laws.

He who gladly does without the praise of the crowd will not miss the opportunity of becoming his own fan.

Democracy means the opportunity to be everyone's slave.

A woman who cannot be ugly is not beautiful.

War: first, one hopes to win; then one expects the enemy to lose; then, one is satisfied that he too is suffering; in the end, one is surprised that everyone has lost.

How is the world ruled and led to war? Diplomats lie to journalists and believe these lies when they see them in print.

A writer is someone who can make a riddle out of an answer.