As for types like my own, obscurely motivated by the conviction that our existence was worthless if we didn't make a turning point of it, we were assigned to the humanities, to poetry, philosophy, painting - the nursery games of humankind, which had to be left behind when the age of science began. The humanities would be called upon to choose a wallpaper for the crypt, as the end drew near.

Goodness is achieved not in a vacuum, but in the company of other men, attended by love.

Certain blood will be given for half certain reasons, as in all wars.

I love solitude, but I prize it most when plenty of company is available.

Great pressure is brought to bear to make us undervalue ourselves. On the other hand, civilization teaches that each of us is an inestimable prize. There are, then, these two preparations: one for life and the other for death. Therefore we value and are ashamed to value ourselves.

The first undressing of two lovers is a most special event.

I've never turned over a fig leaf yet that didn't have a price tag on the other side.