I had no place in any coterie, or in any reciprocal self-advertising. I stood alone. I stood outside. I wanted only to learn. I wanted only to write better.

But youth isn't happy. Youth is sadder than age.

To a thrifty theologian, bent on redemption with economy, there are few points of ethics too fine-spun for splitting.

The world of the egotist is, inevitably, a narrow world, and the boundaries of self are limited to the close horizon of personality.... But, within this horizon, there is room for many attributes that are excellent.

I suppose I am a born novelist, for the things I imagine are more vital and vivid to me than the things I remember.

There wouldn't be half as much fun in the world if it weren't for children and men, and there ain't a mite of difference between them under the skins.

I liked human beings, but I did not love human nature.