Man's existence precedes his essence

Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think.

I have always been happy. Even if I had been more honest with regard to myself at that moment I should still have written La Nausee.

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.

One cannot become a saint when one works sixteen hours a day.

I am alone in this white, garden-rimmed street. Alone and free. But this freedom is rather like death.

We do not wish to say only that a man is responsible for his own individuality, but that he is responsible for that of all men.