The modern state no longer has anything but rights; it does not recognize duties any more.

Optimism approves of everything, submits to everything, believes everything; it is the virtue above all of the taxpayer.

I know the compassion of others is a relief at first. I don't despise it. But it can't quench pain, it slips through your soul as through a sieve. And when our suffering has been dragged from one pity to another, as from one mouth to another, we can no longer respect or love it.

It's a fine thing to rise above pride, but you must have pride in order to do so.

What does it matter, all is grace.

Hope is a risk that must be run.

What does the truth matter? Haven't we mothers all given our sons a taste for lies, lies which from the cradle upwards lull them, reassure them, send them to sleep: lies as soft and warm as a breast!