Civilization - and by this I do not mean talking cinemas and tinned food, nor even surgery and hygienic houses, but the whole moral and artistic organization of Europe - has not in itself the power of survival. It came into being through Christianity, and without it has no significance or power to command allegiance ... It is no longer possible, as it was in the time of Gibbon, to accept the benefits of civilization and at the same time deny the supernatural basis on which it rests ... Christianity ... is in greater need of combative strength than it has been for centuries.
Evelyn WaughMy children weary me. I can only see them as defective adults: feckless, destructive, frivolous, sensual, humorless.
Evelyn WaughI think there's almost nothing I can't excuse except perhaps worshiping graven images. That seems to be idiotic.
Evelyn WaughI did not know it was possible to be so miserable and live but I am told that this is a common experience.
Evelyn Waugh