Zbigniew Herbert Quotes

I turn to history not for lessons but to confront my experience with the experience of others and to win for myself a sense of responsibility for the state of the human conscience.

And if the City falls and one survives
he shall carry the City within on the roads of exile
he shall be the City

No time to grieve for roses when the forests are burning.

Study the world’s skin before you set out to look for its heart.

I could write a treatise on the sudden transformation of life into archaeology

Be courageous when the mind deceives you Be courageous In the final account only this is important

I thank You Lord for creating the world beautiful and various and if this is Your seduction I am seduced for good and past all forgiveness