We are a free people; and now you have planted in our country the title deeds of our future slavery. You are neither god nor demon; who are you, then, to make slaves? Orou! You understand the language of these men, tell us all, as you have told me, what they have written on this sheet of metal: This country is ours. This country yours? And why? Because you have walked thereon? If a Tahitian landed one day on your shores, and scratched on one of your rocks or on the bark of your trees: This country belongs to the people of Tahiti - what would you think?

My ideas are my whores.

All children are essentially criminal.

Which is the greater merit, to enlighten the human race, which remains forever, or to save one's fatherland, which is perishable?

Philosophy is as far separated from impiety as religion is from fanaticism.

The world is the house of the strong.

First move me, astonish me, break my heart, let me tremble, weep, stare, be enraged-only then regale my eyes.