Art requires neither complaisance nor politeness; nothing but faith, faith and freedom.

Criticism occupies the lowest place in the literary hierarchy: as regards form, almost always; and as regards moral value, incontestably. It comes after rhyming games and acrostics, which at least require a certain inventiveness.

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.

On spinach: I dislike it, and am happy to dislike it because if I liked it I would eat it, and I cannot stand it.

We swung between madness and suicide ... it was beautiful!

In her enthusiasms she had always looked for something tangible: she had always loved church for its flowers, music for its romantic words, literature for its power to stir the passions and she rebelled before the mysteries of faith just as she grew ever more restive under discipline, which was antipathetic to her nature.

Coffee: Induces wit. Good only if it comes through Havre. After a big dinner party it is taken standing up. Take it without sugar - very swank: gives the impression you have lived in the East.