I had spent my time counterfeiting eternity.

With a little luck that epoch may arrive. I am on the side of those who think that things will go better when the world has changed.

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.

it was odd, he thought, that a man could hate himself as though he were someone else.

There is a universe behind and before him. And the day is approaching when closing the last book on the last shelf on the far left; he will say to himself, "now what?

All human actions are equivalent... and all are on principle doomed to failure.

You must be afraid, my son. That is how one becomes an honest citizen.