French philosopher, author, dramatist, journalist, world federalist, and political activist
The society based on production is only productive, not creative.
As a remedy to life in society I would suggest the big city. Nowadays, it is the only desert within our means.
To cut short the question of the law of retaliation, we must note that even in its primitive form it can operate only between two individuals of whom one is absolutely innocent, and the other absolutely guilty. The victim, to be sure, is innocent. But can the society that is supposed to represent the victim lay claim to innocence?
Truth is mysterious, elusive, always to be conquered. Liberty is dangerous, as hard to live with as it is elating. We must march toward these two goals, painfully but resolutely, certain in advance of our failings on so long a road.
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth.
A taste for truth at any cost is a passion which spares nothing.
I know of only one duty, and that is to love.
To abandon oneself to principles is really to die - and to die for an impossible love which is the contrary of love.
I should like to be able to love my country and still love justice.
Conscious of not being able to separate myself from my time, I have decided to become part of it.