The purpose of a short story is ... that the reader shall come away with the satisfactory feeling that a particular insight into human character has been gained, or that his (or her) knowledge of life has been deepened, or that pity, love or sympathy for a human being is awakened.

Happiness has always seemed like a bluebird, and consists of moments.

No man is inherently respectable, but all women are by nature.

If there is anything we are serious about, it is neither religion nor learning, but food.

In contrast to logic, there is common sense, or still better, the Spirit of Reasonableness.

Our lives are not in the lap of the gods, but in the lap of our cooks.

Men resort to talking only when they haven't the power to enforce their convictions upon others.