There is something tragic about the enormous number of young men there are in England at the present moment who start life with perfect profiles, and end by adopting some useful profession.

What is abnormal in Life stands in normal relations to Art. It is the only thing in Life that stands in normal relations to Art.

People are very fond of giving away what they need most themselves. It is what I call the depth of generosity.

History is a lie commonly agreed upon.

I have pleasures, and passions, but the joy of life is gone. I am going under: the morgue yawns for me. I go and look at my zinc-bed there. After all, I had a wonderful life, which is, I fear, over.

I write because it gives me the greatest possible artistic pleasure to write. If my work pleases the few I am gratified. As for the mob, I have no desire to be a popular novelist. It is far too easy.

Philanthropic people lose all sense of humanity. It is their distinguishing characteristic.