The course of our lives follows ancient and immutable laws, with an ancient, changeless rhythm. Dreams never come true, and the instant they are shattered, we realize how the greatest joys of life lie beyond the realm of reality. The instant they are shattered we are sick with longing for the days when they flamed within us. Our fate spends itself in this succession of hope and nostalgia.

I think of a writer as a river: you reflect what passes before you.

And we are a people without tears. The things that moved our parents do not move us at all.

You aren't ill: it is just that you are made of second-rate materials

The true defense against wealth is not a fear of wealth - of its fragility and of the vicious consequences that it can bring - the true defense against wealth is an indifference to money.

But that was the best time of my life, and only now that it has gone from me forever -- only now do I realize it.

My tidiness, and my untidiness, are full of regret and remorse and complex feelings.