Authors frequently say things they are unaware of; only after they have gotten the reactions of their readers do they discover what they have said

There are more books in the world than hours in which to read them. We are thus deeply influenced by books we haven't read, that we haven't had the time to read.

If western culture is shown to be rich it is because, even before the Enlightenment, it has tried to "dissolve" harmful simplifications through inquiry and the critical mind.

A book is a fragile creature, it suffers the wear of time, it fears rodents, the elements and clumsy hands. so the librarian protects the books not only against mankind but also against nature and devotes his life to this war with the forces of oblivion.

Sometimes my characters are not myself.

Nothing is more fleeting than external form, which withers and alters like the flowers of the field at the appearance of autumn.

The wise man does not discriminate; he gathers all the shreds of light, from wherever they may come.