You don't learn algebra with your blessed soul. Can't you look at it with your clear simple wits?

You don't want to be an animal, you want to observe your own animal functions, so as to get a mental thrill out of them. It is allpurely secondary--and more decadent than the most hide-bound intellectualism.

The novel is the highest form of human expression so far attained. Why? Because it is so incapable of the absolute.

The East is marvellously interesting for tracing our steps back. But for going forward, it is nothing. All it can hope for is to be fertilised by Europe, so that it can start on a new phase.

I like to write when I feel spiteful; it's like having a good sneeze.

Love is the hastening gravitation of spirit towards spirit, and body towards body, in the joy of creation.

It grew late. Through the open door, stealthily, came the scent of madonna lilies, almost as if it were prowling abroad.