The poet produces the beautiful by fixing his attention on something real.

It is precisely those artists and writers who are most inclined to think of their art as the manifestation of their personality who are in fact the most in bondage to public taste.

There is no detachment where there is no pain. And there is no pain endured without hatred or lying unless detachment is present too.

To die for God is not a proof of faith in God. To die for an unknown and repulsive convict who is a victim of injustice, that is a proof of faith in God.

Every sin is an attempt to fly from emptiness.

The world needs saints who have genius, just as a plague-stricken town needs doctors.

Contradiction is the lever of transcendence.