As soon as we see our dreams betrayed we realize that the intensest joys of our life have nothing to do with reality, and we are consumed with regret for the time when they glowed within us. And in this succession of hopes and regrets our life slips by.

England is a country where people stay exactly as they are. The soul does not receive the slightest jolt.

Italy is a country which is willing to submit itself to the worst governments. It is, as we know, a country ruled by disorder, cynicism, incompetence and confusion. Nevertheless we are aware of intelligence circulating in the streets like a vivid bloodstream.

Being moderate with oneself and generous with others; this is what is meant by having a just relationship with money, by being free as far as money is concerned.

Over my real sorrows I never weep.

But the English do not know what surprise is. No one ever turns his head to look at anyone else in the street.

You aren't ill: it is just that you are made of second-rate materials