Asceticism without religion is just another way of cultivating peculiar sensations.

Dreams are distorted representations of desire. So are dream- analyses.

My mother wanted to shrink from my clinging, but did not.

Politics inflame the passions in a way that few beloveds can match.

Since events are not metaphors, the literal-minded have a certain advantage in dealing with them.

My ambition in life: to become successful enough to resume my career as a neurasthenic.

Many gloat over their own troubles.