Three Comrades - Erich Maria Remarque

Extraordinary creatures you young people are, altogether. The past you hate, the present you despise, and the future is a matter of indifference. How do you suppose that can lead to any good end?

It's no shame to be born stupid. Only to die stupid.

...never, never can a man make himself ridiculous in the eyes of a woman by anything he may do on her account. Not even by the most childish performances. Do anything you like, stand on your head, talk the most utter twaddle, swank like a peacock, sing under her window — anything at all but one thing: don't be matter of fact, don't be sensible.