Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.

Art is the symbol of the two noblest human efforts: to construct and to refrain from destruction.

The notion of obligations comes before that of rights, which is subordinate and relative to the former. A right is not effectual by itself, but only in relation to the obligation to which it corresponds.

If Germany, thanks to Hitler and his successors, were to enslave the European nations and destroy most of the treasures of their past, future historians would certainly pronounce that she had civilized Europe.

The payment of debts is necessary for social order. The non-payment is quite equally necessary for social order. For centuries humanity has oscillated, serenely unaware, between these two contradictory necessities.

Those who are unhappy have no need for anything in this world but people capable of giving them their attention.

The lure of quantity is the most dangerous of all.