In the excerpt below from Doctor Faustus is the musician and composer Adrian Leverkühn in conversation with the devil. Leverkühn will be Apocalyptic Oratorio He tries to complete it like a virtuoso's masterpiece, but the price he pays for his virtuosity is high. The devil who supports him demands that Leverkühn renounce any claim to love and affection. Psychology, which includes empathy and compassion, is rejected by the devil anyway.

"Psychology—God bless you, do you still care? That's bad, bourgeois nineteenth century! The era is sick of it; soon it will affect it like a red rag to a bull, and anyone who thwarts life with psychology can simply expect a slap on the wrist. We are entering an era, my dear, that does not wish to be troubled by psychology…. This is beside the point. My stipulation was clear and honest, inspired by the legitimate jealousy of hell. Love is forbidden insofar as it warms. Your life will be cold—therefore you must not love anyone."‘

Doctor Faustus is a novel by German writer Thomas Mann, published in 1947.

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