What can I expect from myself? My sensation in all their horrible acuity, and a profound awareness of feeling. A sharp mind that only destroys me, and an unusual capacity for dreaming to keep me entertained. A dead will and a reflection that cradles it, like a living child. From, The Book of Disquiet

I've never done anything but dream. This, and this alone, has been the meaning of my life. My only real concern has been my inner life.

I want to be a work of art, at least in my soul, since I can’t be one in my body.

Decadence is the total loss of unconsciousness, which is the very basis of life. Could it think, the heart would stop beating.

After the rains departed the skies and settled on earth - clear skies; moist brilliant earth - greater clarity returned to life alone with the blue above and made the world below rejoice with the freshness of the recent rain. It left heaven in our souls and a freshness in our hearts.

Literature is the most agreeable way of ignoring life.

I look for myself but find no one. I belong to the chrysanthemum hour of bright flowers placed in tall vases. I should make an ornament of my soul.