It is never possible for a novelist to deny time inside the fabric of his novel: he must cling, however lightly, to the thread of his story, he must touch the interminable tapeworm, otherwise he becomes unintelligible, which, in his case, is a blunder.

The four characteristics of humanism are curiosity, a free mind, belief in good taste, and belief in the human race.

So, two cheers for Democracy: one because it admits variety and two because it permits criticism.

God is not Love in the East. He is Power, although Mercy may temper it.

Sometimes I think too much fuss is made about marriage. Century after century of carnal embracement and we're still no nearer to understanding one another.

Love is a great force in private life; it is indeed the greatest of all things; but love in public affairs does not work.

One doesn't come to Italy for niceness," was the retort; "one comes for life. Buon giorno! Buon giorno!