Old paint on canvas, as it ages, sometimes becomes transparent. When that happens it is possible, in some pictures, to see the original lines: a tree will show through a woman's dress, a child makes way for a dog, a large boat is no longer on an open sea. That is called pentimento because the painter 'repented', changed his mind. Perhaps it would be as well to say that the old conception, replaced by a later choice, is a way of seeing and then seeing again.

It's a sad day when you find out that it's not accident or time or fortune, but just yourself that kept things from you.

Intellectuals can tell themselves anything, sell themselves any bill of goods, which is why they were so often patsies for the ruling classes in 19th-century France and England, or 20th-century Russia and America.

Styles in wit change so.

Writers are interesting people, but often mean and petty.

Decision by democratic majority vote is a fine form of government, but it's a stinking way to create.

Belief is a moral act for which the believer is to be held responsible.