He had, they said, tasted in succession all the apples of the tree of knowledge, and, whether from hunger or disgust, had ended by tasting the forbidden fruit.

Every good quality runs into a defect; economy borders on avarice, the generous are not far from the prodigal, the brave man is close to the bully; he who is very pious is slightly sanctimonious; there are just as many vices to virtue as there are holes in the mantle of Diogenes.

She was sad with an obscure sadness of which she had not the secret herself. There was in her whole person the stupor of a life ended but never commenced.

What says the law? You will not kill. How does it say it? By killing!

There is no rapture in the love which is prompted by esteem; such affection is lasting, not passionate.

I see black light (his last words)

...Though we chisel away as best we can at the mysterious block from which our life is made, the black vein of destiny continually reappears.