if the world changed, i could not exist, and if i changed, the world could not exist

Is there not a sort of remorse that precedes sin? Was it remorse at the very fact that I existed?

Mine was the unbearable jealousy a cultured pearl must feel toward a genuine one. Or can there be such a thing in this world as a man who is jealous of the woman who loves him, precisely because of her love?

As usual, it occurred to me that words were the only thing that could possibly save me from this situation. This was a characteristic misunderstanding on my part. When action was needed, I was absorbed in words; for words proceeded with such difficulty from my mouth that I was intent on them and forgot all about action. It seemed to me that actions, which are dazzling, varied things, must always be accompanied by equally dazzling and equally varied words.

The special quality of hell is to see everything clearly down to the last detail.

I had no taste for defeat - much less victory - without a fight.

A man isn't tiny or giant enough to defeat anything.