Virtue cannot separate itself from reality without becoming a principle of evil.
We get into the habit of living before acquiring the habit of thinking. In that race which daily hastens us towards death, the body maintains its irreparable lead.
The desire for possession is insatiable, to such a point that it can survive even love itself. To love, therefore, is to sterilize the person one loves..
Each generation doubtless feels called upon to reform the world. Mine knows that it will not reform it, but its task is perhaps even greater. It consists in preventing the world from destroying itself.
We turn toward God only to obtain the impossible.
Man is an idea, and a precious small idea once he turns his back on love.
There will be no lasting peace either in the heart of individuals or in social customs until death is outlawed.
We rarely confide in those who are better than we are.
I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live as if there isn't and to die to find out that there is.
Man is the only creature that refuses to be what he is.
Rebellion cannot exist without the feeling that somewhere, in some way, you are justified.
All men have a sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out.
A certain men at least, not taking what one doesn't desire is the hardest thing in the world.
We are all exceptional cases. We all want to appeal against something! Each of us insists on being innocent at all cost, even if he has to accuse the whole human race and heaven itself.
Against eternal injustice, man must assert justice, and to protest against the universe of grief, he must create happiness.
Every great work makes the human face more admirable and richer, and that is its whole secret.
Friendship often ends in love, but love in friendship - never.
Heroism is accessible. Happiness is more difficult.
I draw from the Absurd three consequences: my revolt, my liberty, my passion.
I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice.
