The basis of optimism is sheer terror.

Shakespeare might have met Rosencrantz and Guildenstern in the white streets of London, or seen the serving-men of rival houses bite their thumbs at each other in the open square; but Hamlet came out of his soul, and Romeo out of his passion.

The happiness of a married man depends on the people he has not married.

Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.

Palermo was lovely. The most beautifully situated town in the world - it dreams away its life in the Conca d'Oro, the exquisite valley that lies between two seas. The lemon groves and the orange gardens were entirely perfect.

An artist should create beautiful things, but should put nothing of his own life into them.

Arguments are to be avoided: they are always vulgar and often convincing.