As a teacher, as a propagandist, Mr. Shaw is no good at all, even in his own generation. But as a personality, he is immortal.
Max BeerbohmNot philosophy, after all, not humanity, just sheer joyous power of song, is the primal thing in poetry.
Max BeerbohmImprovisation 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.
Max BeerbohmI am a Tory anarchist. I should like everyone to go about doing just as he pleased - short of altering any of the things to which I have grown accustomed.
Max BeerbohmEvery one, even the richest and most munificent of men, pays much by cheque more light-heartedly than he pays little in specie.
Max BeerbohmTo mankind in general Macbeth and Lady Macbeth stand out as the supreme type of all that a host and hostess should not be.
Max BeerbohmThe loveliest face in all the world will not please you if you see it suddenly eye to eye, at a distance of half an inch from your own.
Max BeerbohmReverence is a good thing, and part of its value is that the more we revere a man, the more sharply are we struck by anything in him (and there is always much) that is incongruous with his greatness.
Max BeerbohmZuleika, on a desert island, would have spent most of her time in looking for a man's footprint.
Max BeerbohmIt is a fact that not once in all my life have I gone out for a walk. I have been taken out for walks; but that is another matter.
Max BeerbohmMen of genius are not quick judges of character. Deep thinking and high imagining blunt that trivial instinct by which you and I size people up.
Max BeerbohmPeople seem to think there is something inherently noble and virtuous in the desire to go for a walk.
Max Beerbohm