Ourika Quotes

“But the amusement that comes from watching people make fools of themselves isn't good. There's too much malice in it to please a heart more in key with simple joys. One can feel a mocking gaiety and still remain miserable. I think unhappiness may even engender such feelings. Sour pleasures feed off sour hearts.”
― Claire de Duras, Ourika

“He believed me, and I was overwhelmed by bitterness when I saw that he did. My tears stopped; I told myself that it was quite easy to deceive those whose interest lay elsewhere.”
― Claire de Duras, Ourika

“I was ungrateful to Providence by not being happy; and, yet, does happiness always result from the gifts of intelligence? I tend to believe the contrary: one must pay for the gift of knowledge by wishing not to know...”
― Claire de Duras, Ourika: An English Translation