The artist takes in the world, but instead of being oppressed by it, he reworks it in his own personality and recreates it in the work of art.

It is fateful and ironic how the lie we need in order to live dooms us to a life that is never really ours.

Each society is a hero system which promises victory over evil and death.

Love is the problem of an animal.

Modern man is drinking and drugging himself out of awareness, or he spends his time shopping, which is the same thing.

Why would a person prefer the accusations of guilt, unworthiness, ineptitude — even dishonor and betrayal — to real possibility? This may not seem to be the choice, but it is: complete self-effacement, surrender to the “others,” disavowal of any personal dignity or freedom — on the one hand; and freedom and independence, movement away from the others, extrication of oneself from the binding links of family and social duties-on the other hand. This is the choice that the depressed person actually faces.

Obviously, all religions fall far short of their own ideals.