Perhaps the comparison is closer to the Chinese cook who leaves hardly any part of a duck unserved.

My passion for Sarah had killed simple lust forever. Never again would I be able to enjoy a woman without love.

The world doesn't make any heroes anymore.

Reality in our century is not something to be faced.

For a good man fame is always a problem.

The great advantage of being a writer is that you can spy on people. You're there, listening to every word, but part of you is observing. Everything is useful to a writer, you see - every scrap, even the longest and most boring of luncheon parties.

Hate is an automatic response to fear, for fear humiliates.