The truth is that nothing is less sensational than pestilence, and by reason of their very duration great misfortunes are monotonous.

One always has exaggerated ideas about what one doesn't know.

Capital punishment is the most premeditated of murders.

...we rarely confide in those who are better than we. Rather, we are more inclined to flee their society. Most often, on the other hand, we confess to those who are like us and who share our weaknesses. Hence we don't want to improve ourselves and be bettered, for we should first have to be judged in default. We merely wish to be pitied and encouraged in the course we have chosen. In short, we should like, at the same time, to cease being guilty and yet not to make the effort of cleansing ourselves.

We get into the habit of living before acquiring the habit of thinking.

... there are two types of happiness and I have chosen that of the murderers. For I am happy. There was a time when I thought I had reached the limit of distress. Beyond that limit, there is a sterile and magnificent happiness.

Your successes and happiness are forgiven you only if you generously consent to share them.