I left Christianity because I wanted to be a moral person. That is why I left. I no longer believed in its lies.

One tiny flame could make so many other flames; one tiny flame could set afire a whole world.

Don't be a pawn in somebody's game. Find the attitude which gives you the maximum strength and the maximum dignity, no matter what else is going on

I never knew what life was until it ran out in a red gush over any lips, my hands!

I find at moments I'm as fragile as glass.

The truth is, laughter always sounds more perfect than weeping. Laughter flows in a violent riff and is effortlessly melodic. Weeping is often fought, choked, half strangled, or surrendered to with humiliation.

Paris was a universe whole and entire unto herself, hollowed and fashioned by history; so she seemed in this age of Napoleon III with her towering buildings, her massive cathedrals, her grand boulevards and ancient winding medieval streets - as vast and indestructible as nature itself.