May heaven protect us, cher monsieur, from being set on a pedestal by our friends!!!

In the world there is, parallel to the force of death and constraint, an enormous force of persuasion that is called culture.

The more I accuse myself, the more right I have to judge you. Even better, I make you judge yourself, which comforts me the more.

This very heart which is mine will forever remain indefinable to me. Between the certainty I have of my existence and the content I try to give to that assurance, the gap will never be filled. Forever I shall be a stranger to myself.

When I was young, I expected from people more than they could give: neverending friendship and constant excitement. Now I expect less than they can actually can give: to stay close silently. And their feelings, friendship, noble deeds always seem like a miracle to me: a true grace.

After awhile you could get used to anything.

To understand one's world, one must sometimes turn away from it! To serve better, one must briefly hold it at a distance. Where can the necessary solitude be found, the long breathing space in which mind gathers its strength and takes stock of its courage.