I have to admit that I only read War and Peace when I was 40. But I knew the basics before then.

Being a professional philosopher is, I would say, feeling natural to think about small and great problems. It is the only pleasure.

Jacopo Belbo didnt understand that he had had his moment and that it would have to be enough for him, for all his life. Not recognizing it, he spent the rest of his days seeking something else, until he damned himself.

It takes a little time, but the pleasures of cooking begin before the pleasures of the palate, and preparing means anticipating.

I've always said that I learned the English I know through two sources -- Marvel Comics and Finnegans Wake.

The Art of the Romance, though warning us that it is providing fictions, opens a door into the Palace of Absurdity, and when we have lightly stepped inside, slams it shut behind us.

Books are not made to be believed, but to be subjected to inquiry. When we consider a book, we mustn't ask ourselves what it says but what it means.