True self is the part of us that does not change when circumstances do.

Without civilization, we would not turn into animals, but vegetables.

More are weakened than strengthened by their troubles.

My mind no longer has romantic abysses, but has become shallow, with many little gaps and cracks.

Loving, not the beloved, is the joy of love. The beloved, knowing this, most resolutely declines to be grateful.

Rebuttals never alter desire.

If modesty disappeared, so would exhibitionism.