The central idea of poetry is the idea of guessing right, like a child.

It is a quaint comment on the notion that the English are practical and the French merely visionary, that we were rebels in arts while they were rebels in arms.

Men invent new ideals because they dare not attempt old ideals. They look forward with enthusiasm, because they are afraid to look back.

Only man can be absurd: for only man can be dignified.

To be simple is the best thing in the world; to be modest is the next best thing. I am not sure about being quiet.

The Catholic Church is like a thick steak, a glass of red wine, and a good cigar.

The more I considered Christianity, the more I found that while it had established a rule and order, the chief aim of that order was to give room for good things to run wild.