The realization that my problem was one that concerned all men, a problem of living and thinking, suddenly swept over me and I was overwhelmed by fear and respect as I suddenly saw and felt how deeply my own personal life and opinions were immersed in the eternal stream of great ideas. Though it offered some confirmation and gratification, the realization was not really a joyful one. It was hard and had a harsh taste because it implied responsibility and no longer being allowed to be a child; it meant standing on one’s own feet.

Solitude is independence.

The day had gone by just as days go by. I had killed it in accordance with my primitive and retiring way of life.

our friendship has no other purpose, no other reason, than to show you how utterly unlike me you are.

At the first kiss I felt something melt inside me that hurt in an exquisite way. All my longings, all my dreams and sweet anguish, all the secrets that slept deep within me came awake, everything was transformed and enchanted, and everything made sense.

In every truth, the opposite is equally true. For example, a truth can only be expressed and enveloped in words if it is onesided.

All men of goodwill have this in common - that our works put us to shame.