Neechy on being a ghost

We [hermits], too, do what all prudent masks do, and in response to every curiosity that does not concern our "dress" we politely place a chair against the door. But there are also other ways and tricks when it comes to associating with or passing among men -- for example, as a ghost, which is altogether advisable if one wants to get rid of them quickly and make them afraid. Example: one reaches out for us but gets no hold of us. That is frightening. Or we enter though a closed door. Or after all lights have been extinguished. Or after we have died. [ p321, The Gay Science ]