The people I respect most behave as if they were immortal and as if society was eternal. Both assumptions are false: both of them must be accepted as true if we are to go on eating and working and loving, and are to keep open a few breathing holes for the human spirit.

But the body is deeper than the soul and its secrets inscrutable.

An acquaintance had become a lover, might become a husband, but would retain all that she had noted in the acquaintance; and love must confirm an old relation rather than reveal a new one.

Only a struggle twists sentimentality and lust together into love.

Do you remember Italy?

When you come back you will not be you. And I may not be I.

Creative writers are always greater than the causes that they represent.