The more humanity advances, the more it is degraded.

I am finding it very hard to get my novel started. I suffer from stylistic abscesses; and sentences keep itching without coming to a head.

The great natures which are good, are above everything generous and don't begrudge the giving of themselves.

But an infinity of passions can be contained in a minute, like a crowd in a tiny space.

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

Beautiful things spoil nothing.

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.