Nothing is given to mankind and what little men can conquer must be paid for with unjust death. But man's grandeur lies elsewhere, in his decision to rise above his condition.

The Poor Man whom everyone speaks of, the Poor Man whom everyone pities, one of the repulsive Poor from whom charitable souls keep their distance, he has still said nothing. Or, rather, he has spoken through the voice of Victor Hugo, Zola, Richepin. At least, they said so. And these shameful impostures fed their authors. Cruel irony, the Poor Man tormented with hunger feeds those who plead his case.

The absurd hero's refusal to hope becomes his singular ability to live in the present with passion.

It is the job of thinking people not to be on the side of the executioners.

There are people who prefer to look their fate in the eye

What’s true of all the evils in the world is true of plague as well. It helps men to rise above themselves.

We are not certain, we are never certain. If we were we could reach some conclusions, and we could, at last, make others take us seriously.