German philosopher and one of the central Enlightenment thinkers
From such crooked wood as that which man is made of, nothing straight can be fashioned.
Metaphysics is a dark ocean without shores or lighthouse, strewn with many a philosophic wreck.
By a lie, a man... annihilates his dignity as a man.
In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so.
Ingratitude is the essence of vileness.
Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of few; and number not voices, but weigh them.
It is not necessary that whilst I live I live happily; but it is necessary that so long as I live I should live honourably.