Improvisation is the essence of good talk. Heaven defend us from the talker who doles out things prepared for us; but let heaven not less defend us from the beautiful spontaneous writer who puts his trust in the inspiration of the moment.

There is in the human race some dark spirit of recalcitrance, always pulling us in the direction contrary to that in which we are reasonably expected to go.

People seem to think there is something inherently noble and virtuous in the desire to go for a walk.

People who insist on telling their dreams are among the terrors of the breakfast table.

To give and then not feel that one has given is the very best of all ways of giving.

Only mediocrity can be trusted to be always at its best. Genius must always have lapses proportionate to its triumphs.

The past is a work of art, free of irrelevancies and loose ends.