The need to express oneself in writing springs from a mal-adjustment to life, or from an inner conflict which the adolescent (or the grown man) cannot resolve in action. Those to whom action comes as easily as breathing rarely feel the need to break loose from the real, to rise above, and describe it... I do not mean that it is enough to be maladjusted to become a great writer, but writing is, for some, a method of resolving a conflict, provided they have the necessary talent.

Above all things, never be afraid. The enemy who forces you to retreat is himself afraid of you at that very moment.

Learning is nothing without cultivated manners, but when the two are combined in a woman, you have one of the most exquisite products of civilization.

The effectiveness of work increases according to geometric progression if there are no interruptions.

When you become used to never being alone, you may consider yourself Americanised

It is better to teach a few things perfectly than many things indifferently...

Men and women are not born inconstant: they are made so by their early amorous experiences.