There is a systematic flocci-nauci-nihili-pilification of all other aspects of existence that angers me.

Stephen had spared no expense in making himself more unhappy, his own position as a rejected lover clearer.

... it has always seemed to me that books are the supreme decorations of a room

The sensation of falling into the past is not unlike that of coming home for the holidays.

The Navy speaks in symbols and you may suit what meaning you choose to the words.

Sir,’ said Stephen, ‘I read novels with the utmost pertinacity. I look upon them--I look upon good novels--as a very valuable part of literature, conveying more exact and finely-distinguished knowledge of the human heart and mind than almost any other, with greater breadth and depth and fewer constraints.

After all a book can be represented as a conversation with one’s demon.