“Those who do not want to imitate anything, produce nothing.”

“Everything alters me, but nothing changes me.”

“At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since.”

“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.”

“I dedicate this novel to Gala, who was constantly by my side while I was writing it, who was the good fairy of my equilibrium, who banished the salamanders of my doubts and strengthened the lions of certainties...”

“I want to perceive and understand the hidden powers and laws of things, in order to have them in my power.”

“An elegant woman is a woman who despises you and has no hair under her arms.”