I used to do miserably in English literature, which I thought was a sign of moral turpitude. As I look back on it, I think it was rather to my credit. The notion of actually putting writers' words into other words is quite ridiculous because why bother if writers mean what they mean, and if they don't, why read them? There is, I suppose, a case for studying literary works in depth, but I don't quite know what 'in depth' means unless you read a paragraph over and over again.

When there is too much to say it is easier to say nothing at all.

Take things as they come. Take things as they are. What does it matter? There's one end to everything.

it isn't good tactics to ask for something that you know will be refused.

When you've just made the most complete fool of yourself, you feel the need of a specially high horse to ride.

A lie that is half a truth is ever the hardest to fight.

The fact is, people who don't have any misfortunes are very irritating to their neighbours. No opportunities for popping in with condolences and new-laid eggs. No visits to the afflicted. No opportunities for the milk of human kindness to flow. Naturally it doesn't.