One mustn't look at the abyss, because there is at the bottom an inexpressible charm which attracts us.

The better a work is, the more it attracts criticism; it is like the fleas who rush to jump on white linens.

As a rule we disbelieve all the facts and theories for which we have no use.

I love my work with a frenetic and perverse love, as an ascetic loves the hair shirt which scratches his belly.

I am a man-pen. I feel through the pen, because of the pen.

But the disparaging of those we love always alienates us from them to some extent. We must not touch our idols; the gilt comes off in our hands.