The paradoxical and tragic situation of man is that his conscience is weakest when he needs it most.

The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.

If our supreme value is the development of the Western tradition - of a man for whom the highest thing in life is man, for whom love for man, respect for man, and the dignity of man, are supreme values - then we cannot ask the question that says, "if it is better for our survival, might we drop these values?"

In love the paradox occurs that two beings become one and yet remain two.

In erotic love, two people who were separate become one. In motherly love, two people who were one become separate. The mother must not only tolerate, she must wish and support the child's separation.

People think that to love is simple, but that to find the right object to love - or to be loved by - is difficult.

To be loved because of one's merit, because one deserves it, always leaves doubt; maybe I did not please the person whom I want to love me, maybe this, or that - there is always a fear that love could disappear.