It's the spectator, and not life, that art really mirrors.

As for the virtuous poor, one can pity them, of course, but one cannot possibly admire them. They have made private terms with the enemy, and sold their birthright for very bad pottage. They must also be extraordinarily stupid.

Don't imagine that your perfection lies in accumulating or possessing external things. Your affection is inside of you.

Women represent the triumph of matter over mind, just as men represent the triumph of mind over morals.

I want my food dead. Not sick, not dying, dead.

Oh, no doubt the cod is a splendid swimmer - admirable for swimming purposes but not for eating.

One should not be too severe on English novels; they are the only relaxation of the intellectually unemployed.