There lies at the back of every creed something terrible and hard for which the worshipper may one day be required to suffer.

Tolerance is a very dull virtue. It is boring. Unlike love, it has always had a bad press. It is negative. It merely means putting up with people, being able to stand things.

Why children?' he asked. 'Why always children? For love to end where it begins is far more beautiful, and Nature knows it.

Beauty ought to look a little surprised: it is the emotion that best suits her face. The beauty who does not look surprised, who accepts her position as her due - she reminds us too much of a prima donna.

Don't be mysterious; there isn't the time.

Don't go fighting against the Spring.

Love and understand the Italians, for the people are more marvellous than the land.