In a world shaped and colored more and more by politicians, the nations meet politically, and hardly any other way to settle their differences.

There was no respect for youth when I was young, and now that I am old, there is no respect for age, I missed it coming and going.

I have always been a grumbler. I am designed for the part - sagging face, weighty underlip, rumbling, resonant voice. Money couldn't buy a better grumbling outfit.

A novelist who writes nothing for 10 years finds his reputation rising. Because I keep on producing books they say there must be something wrong with this fellow.

To multiply your joy, count your blessings.

We should like to have some towering geniuses, to reveal us to ourselves in colour and fire, but of course they would have to fit into the pattern of our society and be able to take orders from sound administrative types.

To put failure behind you, face up to it.