“The purity men love is like the mists which envelop the earth, and not likethe azure ether beyond.”

“If something earthly reminds you of something ethereal, then it must be love.”

“Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature.”

“If we look on idly, heaven and earth will never be joined. To join heaven and earth, some decisive deed of purity is necessary. To accomplish so resolute an action, you have to stake your life, giving no thought to personal gain or loss. You have to turn into a dragon and stir up a whirlwind, tear the dark, brooding clouds asunder and soar up into the azure-blue sky.”

“Earth was green and watery. The air of the Earth was good to breathe, as fattening as cream. The purity of the rains that fell on Earth could be tasted. The taste of purity was daintily tart. Earth was warm. The surface of the Earth heaved and seethed in fecund restlessness. Earth was most fertile where the most death was.”

“By two wings is man lifted above earthly things, even bysimplicity and purity. Simplicity ought to be in the intention,purity in the affection.”