Society knows perfectly well how to kill a man and has methods more subtle than death

To be sure, theory is useful. But without warmth of heart and without love it bruises the very ones it claims to save.

Christianity, above all, consoles; but there are naturally happy souls who do not need consolation. Consequently Christianity begins by making such souls unhappy, for otherwise it would have no power over them.

I believe that in every circumstance I have been able to see rather clearly the most advantageous course I could follow, which is very rarely the one I did follow.

There is no prejudice that the work of art does not finally overcome.

It is unthinkable for a Frenchman to arrive at middle age without having syphilis and the Cross of the Legion of Honor.

It is the special quality of love not to be able to remain stationary, to be obliged to increase under pain of diminishing.