A writer must refuse to allow himself to be transformed into an institution, even if it takes place in the most honorable form.

We will not go to Heaven,Goetz, and even if we both entered it, we would not have eyes to see each other, nor hands to touch each other. Up there, God gets all the attention.... We can only love on this earth and against God.

A madman's ravings are absurd in relation to the situation in which he finds himself, but not in relation to his madness.

I should wish [Alain Robbe-Grillet] to realize that Guinea exists.

It is certain that we cannot escape anguish, for we are anguish.

That God does not exist, I cannot deny, That my whole being cries out for God I cannot forget.

You see, I'm fond of teasing, it's a second nature with me—and I'm used to teasing myself. Plaguing myself, if you prefer; I don't tease nicely.