One's past is what one is. It is the only way by which people should be judged.

Behind every exquisite thing that existed, there was something tragic.

I like hearing myself talk. It is one of my greatest pleasures. I often have long conversations all by myself. Sometimes I am so clever I don't understand a single word of what I am saying.

Unless one is wealthy there is no use in being a charming fellow. Romance is the privilege of the rich, not the profession of the unemployed. The poor should be practical and prosaic. It is better to have a permanent income than to be fascinating.

The chin a little higher, dear. Style largely depends on the way the chin is worn. They are worn very high, just at present.

Just be your self. Everybody else is already taken.

A virtuous abstinence from the joys of pederasty comes most easily to those who have no taste for it.