All that passes is raised to the dignity of expression; all that happens is raised to the dignity of meaning. Everything is either symbol or parable.

- Paul Claudel

In a word, poetry can not exist without emotion, or, if you will, without a movement of the soul which regulates the words.

- Paul Claudel

When man tries to imagine Paradise on earth, the immediate result is a very respectable Hell.

- Paul Claudel

Speak about Christ only when you are asked. But live so that people ask about Christ!

- Paul Claudel

Now I know that at the heart of the universe is joy.

- Paul Claudel

We must not seek happiness in peace, but in conflict.

- Paul Claudel

Jesus did not come to explain away suffering or remove it. He came to fill it with His Presence.

- Paul Claudel

Intelligence is nothing without delight.

- Paul Claudel

Gentlemen, in the little moment that remains to us between the crisis and the catastrophe, we may as well drink a glass of Champagne.

- Paul Claudel