It's innocence when it charms us, ignorance when it doesn't.

The knowledge that makes us cherish innocence makes innocence unattainable.

What innocence, may I ask, is being played here when it is known that this virtuous damsel has already got a dozen illegitimate children?

Where choice begins, Paradise ends, innocence ends, for what is Paradise but the absence of any need to choose this action?

Through our own recovered innocence we discern the innocence of our neighbors.

Individualism is rather like innocence; there must be something unconscious about it.

There is no aphrodisiac like innocence.

Writing novels preserves you in a state of innocence - a lot passes you by - simply because your attention is otherwise diverted.

Never resist a sentence you like, in which language takes its own pleasure and in which, after having abused it for so long, you are stupefied by its innocence.

Innocence always calls mutely for protection when we would be so much wiser to guard ourselves against it: innocence is like a dumb leper who has lost his bell, wandering the world, meaning no harm.

In every American there is an air of incorrigible innocence, which seems to conceal a diabolical cunning.

Resentment seems to have been given us by nature for a defense, and for a defense only! It is the safeguard of justice and the security of innocence.

Victims suggest innocence. And innocence, by the inexorable logic that governs all relational terms, suggests guilt.

Power is something of which I am convinced there is no innocence this side of the womb.

All things truly wicked start from innocence.

Those who improve with age embrace the power of personal growth and personal achievement and begin to replace youth with wisdom, innocence with understanding, and lack of purpose with self-actualization.