Repeat, over and over again, in case anyone forgets it or believes the contrary, that we do not live in the best of all possible worlds.

Mystery is the basic element of all works of art.

The decline of the aperitif may well be one of the most depressing phenomena of our time.

Nothing would disgust me more, morally, than receiving an Oscar.

If the devil were to offer me a resurgence of what is commonly called virility, I'd decline. ''Just keep my liver and lungs in good working order,'' I'd reply, ''so I can go on drinking and smoking!''

I would give my life for a man who is looking for the truth. But I would gladly kill a man who thinks that he has found the truth.

If alcohol is queen, then tobacco is her consort. It's a fond companion for all occasions, a loyal friend through fair weather and foul.