At least with pets, and for all I know, people too, intelligence and quick-wittedness have nothing to do with a talent for being loved, or being kind, nothing at all, less than nothing.

When you break the heart of the philosopher, you must apply great force and cunning strategy, but when the deed is completed, the heart lies in great stony ruin at your feet. If you succeed in breaking it, the job is done once and for all. It will not be repaired.

As my mother once said to me, ‘They’re quite crazy, dear – men are. What you look for is one of them whose insanity is large enough, and calm and generous enough, to include you.

You think that what I've told you is an anecdote. But really it isn't. It's my whole life. It's the only story I have.

There is no weather in malls.

When readers don't like the book, it's usually because they feel that romantic love is pass or somehow needs more irony.

You are a real find and you keep me satisfied, up to a point. After all, I'm a malcontent and you can't change that.