We know well enough when we're being unjust and despicable. but we don't restrain ourselves because we experience a certain pleasure, a primitive sort of satisfaction in moments like that.

If we have anything kind to say, any tender sentiment to express, we feel a sense of shame.

The spontaneity of slaps is sincerity, whereas the ceremonial of caresses is largely convention.

We know well enough when we're being unjust and despicable. but we don't restrain ourselves because we experience a certain pleasure, a primitive sort of satisfaction in moments like that.

When I say "I," I mean a thing absolutely unique, not to be confused with any other.

Nature is honest, we aren't; we embalm our dead.

We cannot bear to regard ourselves simply as playthings of blind chance, we cannot admit to feeling ourselves abandoned.