In fact, it comes to this: nobody is capable of really thinking about anyone, even in the worst calamity. For really to think about someone means thinking about that person every minute of the day, without letting one’s thoughts be diverted by anything- by meals, by a fly that settles on one’s cheek, by household duties, or by a sudden itch somewhere. But there are always flies and itches. That’s why life is difficult to live.

I would rather not have upset him, but I couldn't see any reason to change my life. Looking back on it, I wasn't unhappy. When I was a student, I had lots of ambitions like that. But when I had to give up my studies I learned very quickly that none of it really mattered.

In our society, any man who doesn't cry at his mother's funeral is liable to be condemned to death.

Whatever prevents you from doing your work has become your work.

Life is the sum of your choices.

Every act of rebellion expresses a nostalgia for innocence and an appeal to the essence of being.

Human relationships always help us to carry on because they always presuppose a future.