280 Quotes by Michel Houellebecq

The response closest to the truth was probably something like ‘Nothing’; but it’s always difficult to explain that kind of thing to an active person.

Why am I popular? I don’t know. Is it a mistake? I should think it’s a mistake somewhere.

One can say the West loved literature and the arts, but probably nothing counted more in its history than the need for rational certainty. To this need, the West sacrificed everything: its religion, its happiness, its hopes, and, when all is said and done, its existence.

I can’t hide the truth: I will end my life unhappy, cantankerous and alone, and I will have deserved it.

I admit that invective is one of my pleasures. This only brings me problems in life, but that’s it. I attack, I insult. I have a gift for that, for insults, for provocation. So I am tempted to use it.

Should I just die? The decision struck me as premature.

The fighting had begun. You could make out groups of masked men roaming around with assault rifles and automatic weapons. Windows had been broken, here and there cars were on fire, but the images, shot in the pelting rain, were of such poor quality it was impossible to get a clear idea of who was doing what.

Una vida volcada hacia una meta deja poco sitio para el recuerdo.

Only literature can grant you access to a spirit from beyond the grave – a more direct, more complete, deeper access than you’d have in conversation with a friend.