The sole art that suits me is that which, rising from unrest, tends toward serenity. – Andre Gide
The young people who come to me in the hope of hearing me utter a few memorable maxims are quite disappointed. Aphorisms are not my forte, I say nothing but banalities…. I listen to them and they go away delighted. – Andre Gide
It is unthinkable for a Frenchman to arrive at middle age without having syphilis and the Cross of the Legion of Honor. – Andre Gide
Oh, would that my mind could let fall its dead ideas, as the tree does its withered leaves! – Andre Gide
One of the greatest gifts my father gave me – unintentionally – was witnessing the courage with which he bore adversity. We had a bit of a rollercoaster life with some really challenging financial periods. He was always unshaken, completely tranquil, the same ebullient, laughing, jovial man. – Ben Okri