If you want to concentrate deeply on some problem, and especially some piece of writing or paper-work, you should acquire a cat. Alone with the cat in the room where you work ... the cat will invariably get up on your desk and settle placidly under the desk lamp ... The cat will settle down and be serene, with a serenity that passes all understanding.
Muriel SparkWe often laughed at others in our house, and I picked up the craft of being polite while people were present and laughing later if there was anything to laugh about.
Muriel SparkSo great was the noise during the day that I used to lie awake at night listening to silence.
Muriel Spark