They came to know the incorrigible sorrow of all prisoners and exiles, which is to live in company with a memory that serves no purpose.

In order to understand the world, one has to turn away from it on occasion; in order to serve others better, one has to hold them at a distance for a time. But where can one find the solitude necessary to vigor, the deep breath in which the mind collects itself and courage gauges its strength? There remain big cities.

At times I feel myself overtaken by an immense tenderness for these people around me who live in the same century.

The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself.

Believe me, religions are on the wrong track the moment they moralize and fulminate commandments. God is not needed to create guilt or to punish. Our fellow men suffice, aided by ourselves.

Men are convinced of your arguments, your sincerity, and the seriousness of your efforts only by your death.

Great feelings take with them their own universe, splendid or abject.