For there is merely bad luck in not being loved; there is misfortune in not loving.

In art, rebellion is consummated and perpetuated in the act of real creation, not in criticism or commentary.

Purely historical thought is therefore nihilistic: it wholeheartedly accepts the evil of history and in this way is opposed to rebellion.

Beginning to think is beginning to be undermined. Society has but little connection with such beginnings. The worm is in man's heart. That is where it must be sought. One must follow and understand this fatal game that leads from lucidity in the face of existence to flight from light.

Martyrs, my friend, have to choose between being forgotten, mocked or used. As for being understood - never.

When a war breaks out, people say: "It's too stupid; it can't last long." But though a war may well be "too stupid," that doesn't prevent its lasting. Stupidity has a knack of getting its way; as we should see if we were not always so much wrapped up in ourselves.

The realization that life is absurd cannot be an end, but only a beginning.