The pleasures of love are for those who are hopelessly addicted to another living creature.

And why should it not be terrifying? A little terror, in my view, is good for the soul, when it is terror in the face of a noble object.

If I had my way books would not be written in English but in an exceedingly difficult secret language.... This plan would have the advantage of scaring off all amateur authors, retired politicians, country doctors...who would not have the patience to learn the secret language.

Never harbor grudges; they sour your stomach and do no harm to anyone else.

Very often when I am introduced to women, I think, What is she really like behind the disguise which she wears? And very often I discover that she is pleasant enough, and probably would expand and glow if she received enough affection.

These matters require what I think of as the Shakespearean cast of thought. That is to say, a fine credulity about everything, kept in check by a lively skepticism about everything.... It keeps you constantly alert to every possibility.

The most original thing a writer can do is write like himself. It is also his most difficult task.