Placing the extraordinary at the center of the ordinary, as realism does, is a great comfort to us stay-at-homes.

Psychology keeps trying to vindicate human nature. History keeps undermining the effort.

Every life has a love story, even though the beloved may be imaginary, or a cat.

To be a social success, do not act pathetic, arrogant, or bored. Do not discuss your unhappy childhood, your visit to the dentist,the shortcomings of your cleaning woman, the state of your bowels, or your spouse's bad habits. You will be thought a paragon (or perhaps a monster) of good behavior.

Amateurs believe their enthusiasm will suffice.

Promiscuity is like never reading past the first page. Monogamy is like reading the same book over and over.

Old among the young, poor among the rich, I adopt an air of indefinable superiority.