What, in fact, is a novel but a universe in which action is endowed with form, where final words are pronounced, where people possess one another completely, and where life assumes the aspect of destiny?

I am not made for politics because I am incapable of wanting or accepting the death of the adversary.

All I maintain is that on this earth there are pestilences and there are victims, and it's up to us, so far as possible, not to join forces with the pestilences. That may sound simple to the point of childishness; I can't judge if it's simple, but I know it's true.

In this vast country that he had so loved, he was alone.

It is normal to give away a little of one's life in order not to lose it all.

Have you no hope at all? And do you really live with the thought that when you die, you die, and nothing remains?" "Yes," I said.

Freedom is the right to never have to lie.