life itself is always pulling you away from the understanding of life.

For is it not possible that middle age can be looked upon as a period of second flowering, second growth, even a kind of second adolescence? It is true that society in general does not help one accept this interpretation of the second half of life.

The collector walks with blinders on; he sees nothing but the prize. In fact, the acquisitive instinct is incompatible with true appreciation of beauty.

If one talks to more than four people, it is an audience; and one cannot really think or exchange thoughts with an audience.

It is terribly amusing how many different climates of feelings one can go through in one day.

One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few.

there is no aristocracy of grief. Grief is a great leveler.