How can one explain the attraction terror holds for some minds — and why for intellectuals? . . .In a totalitarian and terrorist regime, man is no longer a unique being with infinite possibilities and limitless choices but a number, a puppet, with just this difference — numbers and puppets are not susceptible to fear.

every question possessed a power that was lost in the answer . . .

When a person doesn't have gratitude, something is missing in his or her humanity.

The more we know, the more pain we have. But because we are human beings, this must be. Otherwise we become objects rather than subjects.

My students are very special. They are my source of pride, my source of joy, my source of hope. I am terribly fond of my students.

I say to myself, if the text was good enough for my father and grandfather, it must be good enough for me. I admit, that is a rather personal way of approaching the text - or a prayer.

Look, if I were alone in the world, I would have the right to choose despair, solitude and self-fulfillment. But I am not alone.