[N]othing is as surprising as life. Except for writing. Except for writing. Yes, of course, except for writing, the only consolation.

...the endless repetition of an ordinary miracle.

I don’t like to make strong statements. I want to write strong novels … I keep my deep radical things for my novels.

I believe that it isn't victories but defeats that promote nationalism.

After all, isn't the purpose of the novel, or of a museum, for that matter, to relate our memories with such sincerity as to transform individual happiness into a happiness all can share?

Most of the time it's not the Europeans who belittle us. What happens when we look at them is that we belittle ourselves. When we undertake the pilgrimage, it's not just to escape the tyranny at home but also to reach to the depths of our souls. The day arrives when the guilty must return to save those who could not find the courage to leave.

We're not stupid! We're just poor! And we have a right to insist on this distinction