I review novels to make money, because it is easier for a sluggard to write an article a fortnight than a book a year, because the writer is soothed by the opiate of action, the crank by posing as a good journalist, and having an air hole. I dislike it. I do it and I am always resolving to give it up.

We are all serving a life sentence in the dungeon of the self.

There is no more sombre enemy of good art than the pram in the hall.

The true function of a writer is to produce a masterpiece and no other task is of any consequence.

The past is the only dead thing that smells sweet.

A lazy person, whatever the talents with which he set out, will have condemned himself to second-hand thoughts and to second-rate friends.

When in doubt, choose greatness.