I like relativity and quantum theories because I don't understand them and they make me feel as if space shifted about like a swan that can't settle, refusing to sit still and be measured; and as if the atom were an impulsive thing always changing its mind.

I know the greatness of Christianity; it is a past greatness.. I live in 1924, and the Christian venture is done.

The Sphinx-riddle. Solve it, or be torn to bits, is the decree.

One sheds one's sicknesses in books - repeats and presents again one's emotions, to be master of them.

Truth does not lie beyond humanity, but is one of the products of the human mind and feeling.

We make a mistake forsaking England and moving out into the periphery of life. After all, Taormina, Ceylon, Africa, America -- as far as we go, they are only the negation of what we ourselves stand for and are: and we're rather like Jonahs running away from the place we belong.

I always feel as if I stood naked for the fire of Almighty God to go through me--and it's rather an awful feeling. One has to be so terribly religious to be an artist.