“You’ve seen the world, and all you’ve seen is nothing; and everything, as well, that you have said and heard is nothing. You’ve sprinted everywhere between here and the horizon; it is nothing. And all the possessions you’ve treasured up at home are nothing.”

“Scholars really have nothing to teach you.But from the soft touch of the eyelashes ofa woman you will know all there is to know about happiness.Buy wine, take it toa secluded place and let it comfort you.”

“Drink wine and look at the moonand think of all the civilisationsthe moon has seen passing by.”

“Your hand can seize today, but not tomorrow; and thoughts of your tomorrow are nothing but desire. Don’t waste this breath, if your heart isn’t crazy, since "the rest of your life" won’t last forever.”

“So we do nothing?” Claire asked.“We do the best nothing you’ve ever seen.”

“To all of us the thought of heaven is dear ---Why not be sure of it and make it here?No doubt there is a heaven yonder too, But 'tis so far away --- and you are near.”

“Poor soul, you will never know anythingof real importance. You will not uncovereven one of life's secrets. Although all religionspromise paradise, take care to create your ownparadise here and now on earth.”