Children and lunatics cut the Gordian knot which the poet spends his life patiently trying to untie.

Since it's now fashionable to laugh at the conservative French Academy, I have remained a rebel by joining it.

Emotion resulting from a work of art is only of value when it is not obtained by sentimental blackmail.

An artist cannot speak about his art any more than a plant can discuss horticulture.

I've always preferred mythology to history. History is truth that becomes an illusion. Mythology is an illusion that becomes reality.

I am happy to exhibit, but not to put myself on exhibition.

Since these mysteries exceed my grasp, I shall pretend to have organized them.