In a moment when criticism shows a singular dearth of direction every man has to be a law unto himself in matters of theatre, writing, and painting. While the American Mercury and the new Ford continue to spread a thin varnish of Ritz over the whole United States there is a certain virtue in being unfashionable.

A novel is a commodity that fulfills a certain need; people need to buy daydreams like they need to buy ice cream or aspirin or gin. They even need to buy a pinch of intellectual catnip now and then to liven up their thoughts.

It's almost worth having been in the army for the joy your freedom gives you

Shakespeare wouldn't have been any good if he'd stayed in Stratford. He had to go to London to be bathed in the full current of the Renaissance.

Curiosity urges you on-driving force.

But what's the good of freedom? What can you do with it? What one wants is to live well and have a beautiful house and be respected by people.

Display advertising and the movies, though they may dull the wits, certainly stimulate the eyes.