"Death is the true goal of our life and I have made myself so well acquainted with it during the past two years that I see it as the true and best friend of mankind.
Indeed, the idea of it no longer holds any terror for me but rather much that is tranquil and comforting, and I thank God that he has granted me the good fortune to obtain the opportunity of regarding death as the key to our true happiness.
I never retire at night without considering that, as young as I am, perhaps I may be no more on the morrow,
yet not one of those who knows me could say that I am morose or melancholy, and for this I thank my creator daily and wish heartily the same happiness may be given to my fellow man.
I clearly explained my way of looking at the matter on the occasion of the death of my very dear best friend, Count von Hatzfeld. He was just thirty-one like myself.
I do not grieve for him but from the bottom of my heart for myself and for all who knew him as well as I."