I sometimes need to write things which I cannot completely control but which therefore prove that what is in me is stronger than I am.

In order to be created, a work of art must first make use of the dark forces of the soul

Beauty, no doubt, does not make revolutions. But a day will come when revolutions will have need of beauty.

I draw from the Absurd three consequences: my revolt, my liberty, my passion.

No excuses ever, for anyone; that is my principle at the outset. I deny the good intention, the respectable mistake, the indiscretion, the extenuating circumstance. With me there is no giving of absolution or blessing.

There is not one talent for living and another for creating. The same suffices for both. And one can be sure that the talent that could not produce but an artificial work could not sustain but a frivolous life.

Being is good, but getting rich is better.... If the gods had only the riches of men's adoration, they would be as poor as poor Caligula.