278. “The foundation of friendship demands the greatest likeness of human souls and hearts.”
(Baden, July 24, 1804, to Ries, describing his quarrel with Breuning.)
279. “True friendship can rest only on the union of like natures.”
(Diary, 1812-18.)
280. “The people say nothing; they are merely people. As a rule they only see themselves in others, and what they see is nothing; away with them! The good and the beautiful needs no people,—it exists without outward help, and this seems to be the reason of our enduring friendship.”
(September 16, 1812, to Amalie Sebald, in Teplitz, who had playfully
called him a tyrant.)
281. “Look, my dear Ries; these are the great connoisseurs who affect to be able to judge of any piece of music so correctly and keenly. Give them but the name of their favorite,—they need no more!”
(To his pupil Ries, who had, as a joke, played a mediocre march at a
gathering at Count Browne’s and announced it to be a composition by
Beethoven. When the march was praised beyond measure Beethoven broke out
into a grim laugh.)
282. “Do not let all men see the contempt which they deserve; we do not know when we may need them.”
(Note in the Diary of 1814, after having had an unpleasant experience
with his “friend” Bertolini. “Henceforth never step inside his house;
shame on you to ask anything from such an one.”)