But who would dare condemn me in this world with no judges, where no one is innocent!

Absolute virtue is impossible and the republic of forgiveness leads, with implacable logic, to the republic of the guillotine.

When I see a new face, something sets off an alarm bell inside me. 'slow down! Danger!' Even when the attraction is strongest, I am on my guard.

Charm is a way of getting the answer 'Yes' without asking a clear question.

We all carry within us places of exile, our crimes, our ravages. Our task is not to unleash them on the world; it is to transform them in ourselves and others.

I know of only one duty, and that is to love.

If Christianity is pessimistic as to man, it is optimistic as to human destiny. Well, I can say that, pessimistic as to human destiny, I am optimistic as to man.