The people I admire most are those who are sensitive and want to create something or discover something, and do not see life in terms of power.

As her time in Florence drew to a close she was only at ease amongst those to whom she felt indifferent.

Books have to be read (worse luck it takes so long a time). It is the only way of discovering what they contain. A few savage tribes eat them, but reading is the only method of assimilation revealed to the West.

Letters have to pass two tests before they can be classed as good: they must express the personality both of the writer and of the recipient.

English literature is a flying fish.

One's favorite book is as elusive as one's favorite pudding.

Words deserted him immediately. He could only speak when he was not asked to.