We human beings cause monstrous conditions, but precisely because we cause them we soon learn to adapt ourselves to them. Only if we become such that we can no longer adapt ourselves, only if, deep inside, we rebel against every kind of evil, will we be able to put a stop to it. ... while everything within us does not yet scream out in protest, so long will we find ways of adapting ourselves, and the horrors will continue.

To live fully, outwardly and inwardly, not to ignore the external reality for the sake of the inner life, or the reverse, that's quite a task

Every day I shall put my papers in order and every day I shall say farewell. And the real farewell, when it comes, will only be a small outward confirmation of what has been accomplished within me from day to day.

Sometimes I try my hand at turning out small profundities and uncertain short stories, but I always end up with just one single word: God.

Here, beside this great black surface that is my desk, I feel as though I am on a desert island.

I would be so exhausted by my determination that I had no strength left to do the actual work.

I'm afraid I did not pray hard enough last night.