Andre Gide Quotes - Page 4

We call "happiness" a certain set of circumstances that makes joy possible. But we call joy that state of mind and emotions that needs nothing to feel happy.

Christianity, above all, consoles; but there are naturally happy souls who do not need consolation. Consequently Christianity begins by making such souls unhappy, for otherwise it would have no power over them.

Our judgements about things vary according to the time left us to live -that we think is left us to live.

When intelligent people pride themselves on not understanding, it is quite natural they should succeed better than fools.

Man's responsibility increases as that of the gods decreases.

One completely overcomes only what one assimilates.

Believe in your strength and your vision. Learn to repeat to yourself, 'It all depends on me'.

I have no use for knowledge that has not been preceded by a sensation

There are admirable potentialities in every human being.

Understanding is the beginning of approving.

Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.

Welcome anything that comes to you, but do not long for anything else.

When I cease to be indignant I will have begun my old age.

How much more sensuality invites to art than does sentimentality.

The less intelligent the white man is, the more stupid he thinks the black.

Long only for what you have.

Those who have never been ill are incapable of real sympathy for a great many misfortunes

Man! The most complex of creatures, and for this reason the most dependant of creatures. On everything that has formed you, you may depend. Do not balk at this apparent slavery....a debtor to many, you pay for your advantages by the same number of dependencies. Understand that independence is a form of poverty; that many things claim you, that many also claim kinship with you.

It is easier to lead men to combat, stirring up their passion, than to restrain them and direct them toward the patient labors of peace.

Art begins with resistance - at the point where resistance is overcome. No human masterpiece has ever been created without great labor.

The want of logic annoys. Too much logic bores. Life eludes logic, and everything that logic alone constructs remains artificial and forced.

What another would have done as well as you, do not do it. What another would have said as well as you, do not say it; what another would have written as well, do not write it. Be faithful to that which exists nowhere but in yourself - and thus make yourself indispensable.

It is with fine sentiments that bad literature is made. Descend to the bottom of the well if you wish to see the stars.

Each thought becomes an anxiety in my brain. I am becoming the ugliest of all things: a busy man.

A straight path never leads anywhere except to the objective.