The aim of the liar is simply to charm, to delight, to give pleasure. He is the very basis of civilized society.

We think that we are generous because we credit our neighbor with those virtues that are likely to benefit ourselves. We praise the banker that we may overdraw our account, and find good qualities in the highwayman in the hope that he may spare our pockets.

I often take exercise. Why only yesterday I had breakfast in bed.

Before Turner there was no fog in London.

The only thing that the artist cannot see is the obvious. The only thing that the public can see is the obvious.

Requiescat Tread lightly, she is near Under the snow, Speak gently, she can hear The daisies grow. All her bright golden hair Tarnished with rust, She that was young and fair Fallen to dust. Lily-like, white as snow, She hardly knew She was a woman, so Sweetly she grew. Coffin-board, heavy stone, Lie on her breast, I vex my heart alone She is at rest. Peace, Peace, she cannot hear Lyre or sonnet, All my life’s buried here, Heap earth upon it.

To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.