For there is nothing mysterious to a seaman unless it be the sea itself, which is the mistress of his existence.

The artist in his calling of interpreter creates because he must. He is so much of a voice that, for him, silence is like death

We couldn't understand because we were too far... and could not remember because we were traveling in the night of first ages, those ages that had gone, leaving hardly a sign... and no memories.

It is respectable to have no illusions, and safe, and profitable and dull.

To be busy with material affairs is the best preservative against reflection, fears, doubts ... all these things which stand in the way of achievement. I suppose a fellow proposing to cut his throat would experience a sort of relief while occupied in stropping his razor carefully.

The mind of man is capable of anything--because everything is in it, all the past as well as all the future. What was there after all? Joy, fear, sorrow, devotion, valor, rage--who can tell?--but truth--truth stripped of its cloak of time.

Even extreme grief may ultimately vent itself in violence--but more generally takes the form of apathy