A classic,' suggested Anthony, 'is a successful book that has survived the reaction of the next period or generation. Then it's safe, like a style in architecture or furniture. It's acquired a picturesque dignity to take the place of its fashion.

I can’t exactly describe how I feel but it’s not quite right. And it leaves me cold.

he could transform the barest incident into a thing of curve and contour.

I'm merely trying to give you the sort of argument that would appeal to your intelligence.

His was a great sin who first invented consciousness. Let us lose it for a few hours.

When he buys his ties he has to ask if gin will make them run.

Don't let yourself feel worthless: often through life you will really be at your worst when you seem to think best of yourself; and don't worry about losing your "personality," as you persist in calling it: at fifteen you had the radiance of early morning, at twenty you will begin to have the melancholy brilliance of the moon, and when you are my age you will give out, as I do, the genial golden warmth of 4 p.m.