Journalists write because they have nothing to say, and have something to say because they write.

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.

Democracy divides people into workers and loafers. It makes no provision for those who have no time to work.

How powerful social mores are! Only a spider's web lies across the volcano, yet it refrains from erupting.

I have to do this, as long as it is at all possible; for if those who are obliged to look after commas had always made sure they were in the right place, then Shanghai would not be burning.

One's need for loneliness is not satisfied if one sits at a table alone. There must be empty chairs as well.