In a well-run mental household there ought to be a thorough cleaning at the threshold of consciousness a few times a year.

How is the world ruled and led to war? Diplomats lie to journalists and believe these lies when they see them in print.

A bibliophile has approximately the same relationship to literature as a philatelist to geography.

News reports stand up as people, and people wither into editorials. Clichés walk around on two legs while men are having theirs shot off.

How do wars start? Diplomats tell lies to journalists, then believe what they read.

War is, at first, the hope that one will be better off; next, the expectation that the other fellow will be worse off; then, the satisfaction that he isn't any better off; and, finally, the surprise at everyone's being worse off.

Do not learn more than you absolutely need to get through life.