Destroy my desires, eradicate my ideals, show me something better, and I will follow you.

In every idea of genius or in every new human idea, or, more simply still, in every serious human idea born in anyone's brain, there is something that cannot possibly be conveyed to others.

And, indeed, I will at this point ask an idle question on my own account: which is better — cheap happiness or exalted sufferings? Well, which is better?

It's in despair that you find the sharpest pleasures, particularly when you are most acutely aware of the hopelessness of your position.

Right or wrong, it's very pleasant to break something from time to time.

Gambling is a most foolish and imprudent pursuit.

I think everyone must love life more than anything else in the world.' 'Love life more than the meaning of it?' 'Yes, certainly. Love it regardless of logic, as you say. Yes, most certainly regardless of logic, for only then will I grasp its meaning. That's what I've been vaguely aware of for a long time. Half your work is done, Ivan: you love life. Now you must try to do the second half and you are saved.