“The ludicrous element in our feeling does not make them any less authentic.”

“the table of elements does not contain one of the most powerful elements that make up our world, and that is the element of surprise.”

“Awareness of insanity does not make one any less insane. Awareness of drowning does not make one any less of a drowning person--it only adds the burden of panic”

“Thus we arrive at the singular conclusion that of all the information passed by our cultural assets it is precisely the elements which might be of the greatest importance to us and which have the task of solving the riddles of the universe and of reconciling us to the sufferings of life -- it is precisely those elements that are the least well authenticated of any.”

“When somebody is that patient, you have to feel grateful, and then you want to hurt them. Does that make any sense?”

“How far does a pretence of feeling, maintained with absolute conviction, become authentic?”