The true picture of the past flits by. The past can be seized only as an image which flashes up at the instant when it can be recognized and is never seen again.

Like ultraviolet rays memory shows to each man in the book of life a script that invisibly and prophetically glosses the text.

The more circumspectly you delay writing down an idea, the more maturely developed it will be on surrendering itself.

Of all the ways of acquiring books, writing them oneself is regarded as the most praiseworthy method.

To be happy is to be able to become aware of oneself without fright.

Work on good prose has three steps: a musical stage when it is composed, an architectonic one when it is built, and a textile one when it is woven.

The only way of knowing a person is to love them without hope.

Quotations in my work are like wayside robbers who leap out armed and relieve the stroller of his conviction.

There is no document of civilization which is not at the same time a document of barbarism.

The concept of progress must be grounded in the idea of catastrophe. That things are 'status quo' is the catastrophe

All human knowledge takes the form of interpretation.

Almost every sinful action ever committed can be traced back to a selfish motive. It is a trait we hate in other people but justify in ourselves.

All high mathematics serves to do is to beget higher mathematics.

The longer I live the more I see that I am never wrong about anything, and that all the pains I have so humbly taken to verify my notions have only wasted my time.

A teacher must believe in the value and interest of his subject as a doctor believes in health.

Seek and find the freedom of the spirit, for where there is true freedom, there is peace, and where there is peace, there is love,and it is love that unlocks all doors.

Instant coffee is just old beans that have been cremated.

The 21st century is the century of knowledge. Knowledge, science and education will have the power and strength to embrace the entire universe.

Giving up control and just trying to be happy at the moment has proven to be the best thing for me.

(On entering Carmel) I came to save souls and especially to pray for priests.

They who meet on an April night are forever lost in love, if there's moonlight all about and there's no moon above.