Now the Sirens have a still more fatal weapon than their song, namely their silence... someone might possibly have escaped from their singing; but from their silence, certainly never.

German is my mother tongue and as such more natural to me, but I consider Czech much more affectionate, which is why your letter removes several uncertainties; I see you more clearly, the movements of your body, your hands, so quick, so resolute, it’s almost like a meeting.

I believe that we should read only those books that bite and sting us. If a book we are reading does not rouse us with a blow to the head, then why read it?

The history of mankind is the instant between two strides taken by a traveler.

Love has as few problems as a motor car. The only problems are the driver, the passengers, and the road.

If the book we are reading does not wake us, as with a fist hammering on our skull, why then do we read it?

The state we find ourselves in is sinful quite independent of guilt.