The art of reading is in great part that of acquiring a better understanding of life from one's encounter with it in a book.

In literature as in love, we are astonished at what is chosen by others.

Two human beings anchored to one another are like two ships shaken by waves; their carcases collide with one another and creak.

I knew a man who had been virtually drowned and then revived. He said that his death had not been painful.

Smile, for everyone lacks self-confidence and more than any other one thing a smile reassures them.

A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.

A friend loves you for your intelligence, a mistress for your charm, but your family's love is unreasoning; you were born into it and are of its flesh and blood. Nevertheless it can irritate you more than any group of people in the world.