I am dead against art's being self-expression. I see an inherent failure in any story which fails to detach itself from the author-detach itself in the sense that a well-blown soap-bubble detaches itself from the bowl of the blower's pipe and spherically takes off into the air as a new, whole, pure, iridescent world. Whereas the ill-blown bubble, as children know, timidly adheres to the bowl's lip, then either bursts or sinks flatly back again.

What is being said is the effect of something that has happened; at the same time, what is being said is in itself something happening, which will, in turn, leave its effect.

When you love someone all your saved up wishes start coming out.

Jealousy is no more than feeling alone against smiling enemies.

one should discuss one's difficulties only when they are over.

The paradox of romantic love -- that what one possesses, one can no longer desire -- was at work.

Writers do not find subjects; subjects find them.