Plot and melodrama were in every life; in some so briefly as hardly to be recognized, in others-in that of certain men and women in the public eye, for instance-they were almost in the nature of a continuous performance.

The human mind has an infinite capacity for self-deception.

Civilization in certain respects is as inadequate as it was a thousand years ago.

Nowhere can it rain harder and with a more tiresome persistence than in California during the brief season when it rains at all.

genius must ever be imperfect. Life is not long enough nor slow enough for both brain and character to grow side by side to superhuman proportions.

We never care to know new people unless we are sure we shall like them.

If you can't get the very best in this world, take nothing.