I do not portray the thing in itself. I portray the passage; not a passing from one age to another, or, as the people put it, from seven years to seven years, but from day to day, from minute to minute.

In nine lifetimes, you'll never know as much about your cat as your cat knows about you.

Have you been able to think out and manage your own life? You have done the greatest task of all.... All other things, ruling, hoarding, building, are only little appendages and props, at most.

Friendship is a creature formed for a companionship not for a herd.

No man is so exquisitely honest or upright in living, but that ten times in his life he might not lawfully be hanged.

Who is only good that others may know it, and that he may be the better esteemed when 'tis known, who will do well but upon condition that his virtue may be known to men, is one from whom much service is not to be expected.

Writing does not cause misery. It is born of misery.