You must write for yourself, above all. That is your only hope of creating something beautiful.

Only three things are infinite. The sky in its stars, the sea in its drops of water, and the heart in its tears.

He was bored now when Emma suddenly began to sob on his breast; and his heart, like the people who can only stand a certain amount of music, became drowsy through indifference to the vibrations of a love whose subtleties he could no longer distinguish.

Everything which one invents is true, be sure of it.

Casting aspersions on those we love always does something to loosen our ties. We shouldn't maltreat our idols: the gilt comes off on our hands.

Writing history is like drinking an ocean and pissing a cupful.

The principal thing in the world is to keep the soul aloft.