I'm absolutely removed from the world at such times...The hours go by without my knowing it. Sitting there I'm wandering in countries I can see every detail of - I'm playing a role in the story I'm reading. I actually feel I'm the characters - I live and breath with them.

What a heavy oar the pen is, and what a strong current ideas are to row in!

I will cover you with love when next I see you, with caresses, with ecstasy. I want to gorge you with all the joys of the flesh, so that you faint and die. I want you to be amazed by me, and to confess to yourself that you had never even dreamed of such transports.... When you are old, I want you to recall those few hours, I want your dry bones to quiver with joy when you think of them.

Talent is nothing but long patience.

It is an excellent habit to look at things as so many symbols.

I believe that if one always looked at the skies, one would end up with wings.

Put all your rage and madness into your work and live as orderly a life as possible.