Everyone gathered around this drink in order to devote themselves to their favorite activity: discussion. This discussion had its own purpose: To spe… - Marjane Satrapi

To speak behind others' backs is the ventilator of the heart.

Si je n'étais pas intégré à moi-même, je ne pourrais jamais m'intégrer.

Despite the doctor’s orders, I bought myself several cartons of cigarettes (…) I think that I preferred to put myself in serious danger rather than confront my shame. My shame at not having become someone, the shame of not having made my parents proud after all the sacrifices they had made for me. The shame of having become a mediocre nihilist.

In retrospect, I can see that I had always known that it wouldn't between us. But after my pitiful love story in Vienna, I needed to believe in someone again...