If a Jew is fascinated by Christians it is not because of their virtues, which he values little, but because they represent anonymity, humanity without race.

The universe remains dark. We are animals struck by catastrophe.

Therefore, in the nature of this will for freedom, which freedom itself implies, I may pass judgement on those who seek to hide from themselves the complete arbitrariness and the complete freedom of their existence.

I am not virtuous. Our sons will be if we shed enough blood to give them the right to be.

To read a poem in January is as lovely as to go for a walk in June

When the rich [and politically powerful] make war, it's the poor [and politically weak] who die.

When my relations with the Communist Party gave me the necessary perspective I decided to write my autobiography. I wanted to show how a man can pass from literature held sacred to action which nevertheless remains that of an intellectual.