On the evenings when my parents held parties, the drawing-room mirrors multiplied to infinity the scintillations of a crystal chandelier. Mama would take her seat at the grand piano to accompany a lady dressed in a cloud of tulle who played the violin and a cousin who performed on a cello. I would crack between my teeth the candied shell of an artificial fruit, and a burst of light would illuminate my palate with a taste of blackcurrant or pineapple: all the colours, all the lights were mine, the gauzy scarves, the diamonds, the laces; I held the whole party in my mouth.
Simone de BeauvoirAll the opportunities you let slip by! The idea, the inspiration just doesnยดt come fast enough. Instead of being open, youยดre closed up tight. Thatยดs the worst sin of all - the sin of omission.
Simone de BeauvoirSelf-knowledge is no guarantee of happiness, but it is on the side of happiness and can supply the courage to fight for it.
Simone de BeauvoirTo give space when what one most yearns for is closeness, that is both the great test and great tragedy of love.
Simone de Beauvoir