Every session attended by the analyst must have no history and no future. What is 'known' about the patient is of no further consequence: it is either false or irrelevant. If it is 'known' by patient and analyst, it is obsolete....The only point of importance in any session is the unknown. Nothing must be allowed to distract from intuiting that. In any session, evolution takes place. Out of the darkness and formlessness something evolves.

It is too often forgotten that the gift of speech, so centrally employed, has been elaborated as much for the purpose of concealing thought by dissimulation and lying as for the purpose of elucidating and communicating thought.

We ought not to heap reproaches on old age, seeing that we all hope to reach it.

Of all evil things the least quantity is to be borne, but of learning and knowledge, the more a man hath, the better he can bear it.

To dare to be aware of the facts of the universe in which we are existing calls for courage.

The purest form of listening is to listen without memory or desire.

Arrogance is a great obstruction to wisdom.