In nothing more is the English genius for domesticity more notably declared than in the institution of this festival-almost one may call it-of afternoon tea...the mere chink of cups and saucers tunes the mind to happy repose.

That is one of the bitter curses of poverty; it leaves no right to be generous.

Literature nowadays is a trade... the successful man of letters is your skilful tradesman. He thinks first and foremost of the markets.

It is because nations tend towards stupidity and baseness that mankind moves so slowly; it is because individuals have a capacity for better things that it moves at all.

A pipe for the hour of work; a cigarette for the hour of conception; a cigar for the hour of vacuity.

Have the courage of your desire.

Human creatures have a mervellous power of adapting themselves to necessity.