The most powerful book in the world at the beginning of the twentieth century is the check-book.

Adversity is the touchstone of character: it is not in success but in misfortune that hidden powers bear fruit.

Many people with a wild desire to act prove failures on the stage, their inclinations are greater than their powers. Rarely is it the other way.

Never has the theatrical profession been more overcrowded than at the present moment.

Organised brigandage has ceased to exist, but murder and highway robbery are still far too common in the less frequented districts. Travellers rarely suffer to-day, however. It is the wealthy inhabitants who run risks at the hand of the mafia, or lawless Sicilian.

Marriage with love is entering heaven with one's eyes shut, but marriage without love is entering hell with them open.

We all try to be alike in our youth, and individual in our middle age ... although we sometimes mistake eccentricity for individuality.