Never fall in love?" "Always," said the count. "I am always in love.

I'm not advocating the strenuous life for everyone or trying to say it's the choice form of life. Anyone who's had the luck or misfortune to be an athlete has to keep his body in shape. The body and mind are closely coordinated. Fattening of the body can lead to fattening of the mind. I would be tempted to say that it can lead to fattening of the soul, but I don't know anything about the soul.

There isnt always an explanation for everything.

Most people are heartless about turtles because a turtle's heart will beat for hours after he has been cut up and butchered. But the old man thought, I have such a heart too and my feet and hands are like theirs.

Real seriousness in regard to writing being one of the two absolute necessities. The other, unfortunately, is talent.

You must be prepared to work always without applause.

Writing is a hard business...but nothing makes you feel better.