Philosophy which does not help to illuminate the process of the liberation of the oppressed should be rejected.

At that time [1954], as a result of political events, I was deeply preoccupied by my relations with the Communist Party.

Words are more treacherous and powerful than we think.

It is not a matter of indifference whether we like oysters or clams, snails or shrimp, if only we know how to unravel the existential significance of these foods.

So long as one believes in God, one has the right to do the Good in order to be moral.

It's quite an undertaking to start loving somebody. You have to have energy, generosity, blindness. There is even a moment right at the start where you have to jump across an abyss: if you think about it you don't do it.

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.