If I were asked to chose between execution and life in prison I would, of course, chose the latter. It's better to live somehow than not at all.

Love, friendship and respect do not unite people as much as common hatred for something.

I am writing a play which I probably will not finish until the end of November. I am writing it with considerable pleasure, though I sin frightfully against the conventions of the stage. It is a comedy with three female parts, six male, four acts, a landscape (view of the lake), lots of talk on literature, little action and tons of love.

Death is terrifying, but it would be even more terrifying to find out that you are going to live forever and never die.

Write, write, write-till your fingers break.

What a delight it is to respect people!

A litterateur is not a confectioner, not a dealer in cosmetics, not an entertainer. . . . He is just like an ordinary reporter. What would you say if a newspaper reporter, because of his fastidiousness or from a wish to give pleasure to his readers, were to describe only honest mayors, high-minded ladies, and virtuous railroad contractors.