Only those who have earned leisure know how to use it profitably.

Intolerance of mediocrity has been the main prop of my independence.

the wealthy ... live in marble mausoleums surrounded by the suspicions and neuroses that have replaced the medieval moats which once isolated so-called aristocrats from reality.

Seeing unhappiness in the marriage of friends, I was content to have chosen music and laughter as a substitute for a husband.

People who have escaped from poverty are like old soldiers. In later years they recount the little, amusing incidents that happened infrequently, and conveniently forget the long, unrelieved stretches of misery and boredom.

don't try for wit. Settle for humor. You'll last longer.

Serve the dinner backward, do anything - but for goodness sake, do something weird.