It is not the real punishment. The only effectual one, the only deterrent and softening one, lies in the recognition of sin by conscience.

Power is given only to those who dare to lower themselves and pick it up. Only one thing matters, one thing; to be able to dare!

You know, my boy, he said, it's impossible to love men such as they are. And yet we must. So try to do good to men by doing violence to your feelings, holding your nose, and shutting your eyes, especially shutting your eyes. Endure their villainy without anger, as much as possible; try to remember that you're a man too. For, if you're even a little above average intelligence, you'll have the propensity to judge people severely. Men are vile by nature and they'd rather love out of fear. Don't give in to such love: despise it always.

I did not bow down to you, I bowed down to all the suffering of humanity.

Life is in ourselves and not in the external.

What is hell? I maintain that it is the suffering of being unable to love.

I never have frustrations. The reason is to wit: Of at first I don't succeed, I quit!