But what do you believe? I don't just mean religion. What are you sure of?" "That once I was not and that now I am. That one day I shall no longer be.

Human kindness is like a defective tap, the first gush may be impressive but the stream soon dries up.

I knew the facts of death before I knew the facts of life. There never was a time when I didn't see the skull beneath the skin.

Suicide is the most private and mysterious of acts, inexplicable because the chief actor is never there to explain it.

A man who lives with nature is used to violence and is companionable with death. There is more violence in an English hedgerow than in the meanest streets of a great city.

Charm is often despised but I can never see why. No one has it who isn't capable of genuinely liking others, at least at the actual moment of meeting and speaking. Charm is always genuine; it may be superficial but it isn't false.

Perfect love may cast our fear, but fear is remarkably potent in casting out love.