My foregrounds are imaginary, my backgrounds real.

There are three thing in the world I love most: the sea, Hamlet, and Don Giovanni.

You'll always have to deal with bastards, being lied to, deceived, slandered and ridiculed, but that's to be expected and you must thank heaven when you meet the exception.

The writer must wade into life as into the sea, but only up to the navel.

The denigration of those we love always detaches us from them in some degree. Never touch your idols: the gilding will stick to your fingers.

It is necessary to sleep upon the pillow of doubt.

Success is a consequence and must not be a goal. I've never sought it (though I desire it) and seek it less and less.