A white lie is always pardonable. But he who tells the truth without compulsion merits no leniency.

How powerful social mores are! Only a spider's web lies across the volcano, yet it refrains from erupting.

It is a mystery to me how a theologian can be praised for having brought himself to disbelieve dogmas. I've always thought that those who have brought themselves to believe in dogmas merit the true recognition owing a heroic deed.

Technology is a servant who makes so much noise cleaning up in the next room that his master cannot make music.

Education is a crutch with which the foolish attack the wise to prove that they are not idiots.

How is the world ruled and led to war? Diplomats lie to journalists and believe these lies when they see them in print.

What torture, this life in society! Often someone is obliging enough to offer me a light, and in order to oblige him I have to fish a cigarette out of my pocket.