Why, for example, do the great writers use anticipation instead of surprise? Because surprise is merely an instrument of the unusual, whereas anticipation of a consequence enlarges our understanding of what is happening.

If you need three adjectives to describe something, then you've probably chosen the wrong something.

Time can be such a menace to a man. By this age do that; by that age do better.

Remote control. Ingenious contradiction of terms. Fits like a handshake. Aims like a gun.

Every writing teacher gives the subliminal message, every time they teach: 'Your life counts for something.' In no other subject that I know of is that message given.

Uncle Scrooge preferred to let the poor die "and decrease the surplus population." Scrooge may not have had God on his side, but his arithmetic was impeccable.

What is the difference between grief and mourning? Mourning has company.