Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity.

Human beings are the only ones in nature who are aware that they will die. For that reason and only for that reason, I have a profound respect for the human race, and I believe that its future is going to be much better than its present. Even knowing that their days are numbered and that everything will end when they least expect it, people make of their lives a battle that is worthy of a being with eternal life. What people regard as vanity-leaving great works, having children, acting in such a way as to prevent one's name from being forgotten- I regard as the highest expression of human dignity.

To get enough to eat was regarded as an achievement. To get drunk was a victory.

What's that strange feeling? Oh, an accomplishment.

Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's a day you've had everything to do and you've done it.

I waited to feel incredibly embarrassed, but the feeling didn't come. It was more like a small victory, a secret to everyone else but me.