Dear 338171 (May I call you 338?)

Criticism and Bolshevism have one thing in common. They both seek to pull down that which they could never build.

It's no use to go and take courses in playwriting any more than it's much use taking courses in acting. Better play to a bad matinée in Hull, it will teach you much more than a year of careful instruction.

It is discouraging how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.

It is my considered opinion that the human race (soi disant) is cruel, idiotic, sentimental, predatory, ungrateful, ugly, conceited and egocentric to the last ditch and that the occasional discovery of an isolated exception is as deliciously surprising as finding a sudden brazil nut in what you know to be five pounds of vanilla creams. These glorious moments, although not making life actually worth living, perhaps, at least make it pleasanter.

Christmas is at our throats again.

It's never too early for a cocktail.